Luke 1
Verses 1-4 are an introduction to Luke's compilation based on a thorough investigation of the life and teachings of Jesus. Luke interviewed eyewitnesses. ( v2) He carefully included everything from beginning to end in consecutive order. (v3) And, he states his purpose for writing, " so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught." ( v4)
Verses 5-25 describe the events preceding John the Baptist's birth.
Zacharias was a priest from the division of Abijah. ( A descendant of Aaron's son)
Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.
They both were considered righteous in God's sight, blameless, and faithful in keeping God's commands.
They had no children.
(During his reign over Israel, David and the high priest Zadok established a scheduled rotation of priests to serve in the temple. This system was still being used at this time and Zacharias was chosen by lot to enter the temple and present the incense offering. The incense was offered on an altar outside the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the holy place. It was offered every morning and every evening by the priest. It was a specific incense that could not be used for any other reason and was considered holy to the Lord. )
There was a multitude of people praying outside as Zacharias went inside.
An angel, "Gabriel, who stands in the Presence of God" appears to Zacharias.
Gabriel gives Zacharias the good news that his prayer would be answered and he and Elizabeth would have a son.
This son, John, would be "great in the sight of the Lord".
He would be filled with the Holy Spirit before his birth.
He would be the forerunner of the Messiah.
He would have the spirit and power of Elijah.
He would make a people ready for the Lord.
Verses 57-80 record the fulfillment of this message from Gabriel. John is born just as Zacharias had been told. Zacharias, who had not been able to speak for the 9 months of Elizabeth's pregnancy was able to once again speak when he obeys God's direction to name the boy, John. Then, being filled with the Holy Spirit, Zacharias prophesied about this work of God that would change Israel and the world forever.
Salvation was coming.
Deliverance was on hand.
The people were being called back to holiness and righteousness. They would be given the "knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins because of the mercy of our God." ( v 77-78)
During the time of Elizabeth's pregnancy, after the revelation to Zacharias and before John's birth, Gabriel visits Mary in Nazareth. The announcement of the birth of Jesus through her comes as a shock. Yet Mary humbly accepts the Lord's will. She goes to visit Elizabeth in Judah and stays there 3 months.
We know this account well. It is filled with the joy and gladness of the Good News. Hundreds of years had passed since the time of the prophets, since Israel was ruled by their own king. Finally, God moves His hand and when He does, the whole world would be changed.
It feels like that sometimes to us too... we are waiting for the Messiah, but nothing happens. We long for the excitement and joy of Jesus coming again.... yet it seems almost like it will never get here.
I am struck by the words of Elizabeth as she greets Mary, " And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord." ( verse 45)
Truly this is what the gospel is all about. Jesus came to earth to bring the knowledge of salvation, the forgiveness of sin through His death on the cross, the final and complete Atonement offering.
By God's great mercy this gift of salvation is given to all who believe... believe that what the Lord has said will be fulfilled. When Jesus came, died, and rose again He made the way for us to be holy and righteous before God. Praise to the Lord!
But He is not done. He will change everything once again.. when the Father sends the Son back to the earth once again, to fulfill all His purposes and all of His Word. And when He does this, we need to be ready, just like Mary and Elizabeth - ready for the coming of the Lord.
Father in heaven, we do not know the day or hour of Christ's return, but we wait with eager anticipation of His coming, with great joy and gladness! No more will sin and death, pain and sorrow, suffering or sadness be our lot. We will be with You in Your Glory. Yet Lord, our hearts yearn for our loved ones who are not ready. They still walk in darkness.. Oh Lord shine upon them please. Bring them to the truth written in Your Word. We plead this in Jesus' Name, amen.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Leviticus 27, the final chapter of this book, is a challenge. It deals with "valuation". If a person made a vow to the Lord, they could exchange money for the actual object of the vow. A certain amount for a person, according to age and sex; a certain amount for an animal; and a certain amount for a house or land. The required tithes were not included in this exchange. "Thus all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's; it is holy to the Lord."
This section brings to mind Acts 5, where Ananias and his wife sold a piece of property but kept back a portion of the price. The couple lied about the amount that they received for their property, bringing some of it before the apostles, but claiming that this was the whole amount. This lie resulted in instant judgement and death. Their gift was not a tithe, but might have been considered an offering as part of a vow. The fact that they dedicated this gift to the Lord would make it "holy". The fact that they then lied about the gift would be profane before the Lord. Their actions uncovered their lack of reverent fear and understanding of who God is and what He requires of His people.
The book of Leviticus may seem to be irrelevant to New Testament believers, but it is not. It helps us to understand the holiness of God and His expectations for His people. It helps us to understand what the Atonement really means and how Jesus Christ fulfilled all of the Law by His personal sacrifice as the Lamb of God. It gives a foundation of godly principles that are echoed in the New Testament teachings. We need to know what all of the Bible teaches so that we can walk in the Truth, for all of God's Words are for us. I am so thankful that we do not have to keep offering animal sacrifices on earthly altars, but that Christ died, once for all.
The main principle that keeps echoing in my mind and heart through the study of this book is - ".. do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." All of the Laws given through Moses on Mount Sinai were for this same purpose - that the nation of Israel, God's chosen people, would be set apart from the worldly practices of that day; practices that are still considered sinful in the eyes of the Almighty God who never changes. God wants us to turn from those sinful practices and live holy lives in accordance with His will for us. His good and acceptable and perfect will. And the only way to discern His will is to know His Word and have it in our minds and hearts every day.
Father in heaven, pour out Your Spirit upon us again and again. Renew our thinking with the Truth of Your Word. Lead us in paths of righteousness and truth with the Light of Your Word. Transform our lives that we may be holy and acceptable before You. We present ourselves before You, do as You will in us we pray. In Jesus Christ we come, amen.
This section brings to mind Acts 5, where Ananias and his wife sold a piece of property but kept back a portion of the price. The couple lied about the amount that they received for their property, bringing some of it before the apostles, but claiming that this was the whole amount. This lie resulted in instant judgement and death. Their gift was not a tithe, but might have been considered an offering as part of a vow. The fact that they dedicated this gift to the Lord would make it "holy". The fact that they then lied about the gift would be profane before the Lord. Their actions uncovered their lack of reverent fear and understanding of who God is and what He requires of His people.
The book of Leviticus may seem to be irrelevant to New Testament believers, but it is not. It helps us to understand the holiness of God and His expectations for His people. It helps us to understand what the Atonement really means and how Jesus Christ fulfilled all of the Law by His personal sacrifice as the Lamb of God. It gives a foundation of godly principles that are echoed in the New Testament teachings. We need to know what all of the Bible teaches so that we can walk in the Truth, for all of God's Words are for us. I am so thankful that we do not have to keep offering animal sacrifices on earthly altars, but that Christ died, once for all.
The main principle that keeps echoing in my mind and heart through the study of this book is - ".. do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." All of the Laws given through Moses on Mount Sinai were for this same purpose - that the nation of Israel, God's chosen people, would be set apart from the worldly practices of that day; practices that are still considered sinful in the eyes of the Almighty God who never changes. God wants us to turn from those sinful practices and live holy lives in accordance with His will for us. His good and acceptable and perfect will. And the only way to discern His will is to know His Word and have it in our minds and hearts every day.
Father in heaven, pour out Your Spirit upon us again and again. Renew our thinking with the Truth of Your Word. Lead us in paths of righteousness and truth with the Light of Your Word. Transform our lives that we may be holy and acceptable before You. We present ourselves before You, do as You will in us we pray. In Jesus Christ we come, amen.
Friday, September 26, 2014
E.M. Bounds wrote " The progress to consummation of God's work in this world has two basic principles - God's ability to give and man's ability to ask..... God's ability to do and to give has never failed and cannot fail; but man's ability to ask can fail, and often does. Therefore the slow progress which is being made toward the realization of a world won for Christ lies entirely with man's limited asking.... The church on its knees would bring heaven on the earth." He goes on to say that the scope of our prayers must be to " plead for others. Intercession for others is the hallmark of all true prayer. ... Prayer is the soul of a man stirred to plead with God for men..... to be concerned for the spiritual and eternal welfare of others."
Prayer is the most valuable work we can and must do. God has called us to it. Bounds says men and women must "give their brains and heart to prayer" . Business men who pray, government leaders who pray, men and women who pray.... are God's agents on earth and God will use them and make much of them.. and do wonderful things through them.
Leviticus 26 The Lord gives His final Words about the law. If Israel obeys the Law, blessings will be given. If they rebel against the Law, then curses will be brought down upon them. This is His abiding principle. It is the same as what happened in the Garden of Eden. As long as Adam and Eve did not break the one command - to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil - they were blessed. But when they broke that "law", the curse was brought down upon them - and all mankind.
The blessings of God are:
Rains in there seasons
Land yielding produce
Trees bearing fruit
Food that is sufficient
Security in the land
Peace.
Elimination of wild beasts
No swords against them.
Ease of victory against all enemies.
God's presence with them.
God's acceptance of them.
Freedom.
God would perfectly provide for all their needs and they would have His Presence in their midst. Truly Paradise restored.
But, if they did not obey, if they broke the covenant then God would:
Send sudden terror, consumption and fever that would destroy sight and "cause the soul to pine away"
Allow enemies to steal their crops
Allow enemies to strike them down
Allow enemies to rule over them
Break down their "pride of power"
Make the sky like iron.
Make the land like bronze
The land would not produce food
The trees would not yield fruit
The beasts of the field would be set loose on their children and their cattle, the population would decrease.
Swords would come against them
Pestilence would come against them.
There would not be enough food
They would devour their own children
Cities would be laid waste.
The land would become desolate.
They would be scattered among the nations.
They would become weak.
As I read this list... I think of the Ebola virus in Africa, the terrorists in Syria and Iraq, the fires in California, the poverty and hunger around the world..... the weakness and lack of faith and obedience in Israel and in America.... and see that all that God has said is exactly what He has done.
Yet, He does not leave us there, rotting away in our iniquities... Verses 40-42 " If they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their forefathers, in their unfaithfulness which they committed against Me, and also in their acting with hostility against Me...... or if their uncircumcised heart becomes humbled so that they them make amends for their iniquity, then I will remember My covenant with Isaac, and My covenant with Abraham as well, and I will remember the land."
God still calls us to Himself. He desires that we confess our sins, that we humble ourselves, that we repent and make amends for our disobedience to His Word... and He tells us that when we do that - He will remember His promises. He will redeem us and restore us to fellowship with Himself forever.
And because of this - we pray. Not just for ourselves but we plead for the eternal welfare of others.
That they also will confess their sins, humble themselves before God and repent, turn around from curseful living to the life that brings God's blessings.
Our Father in Heaven, thank You for never leaving us or forsaking us, but for providing for our redemption through Jesus Christ the Lord. Your Word is truth and it lights our path so that we can see You, the Majestic and Merciful God, Who rules over all with grace and glory. Help us this day to walk in righteousness. Fill us with Your Spirit. We desire Your will and Your Kingdom and Your glory. Amen
Prayer is the most valuable work we can and must do. God has called us to it. Bounds says men and women must "give their brains and heart to prayer" . Business men who pray, government leaders who pray, men and women who pray.... are God's agents on earth and God will use them and make much of them.. and do wonderful things through them.
Leviticus 26 The Lord gives His final Words about the law. If Israel obeys the Law, blessings will be given. If they rebel against the Law, then curses will be brought down upon them. This is His abiding principle. It is the same as what happened in the Garden of Eden. As long as Adam and Eve did not break the one command - to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil - they were blessed. But when they broke that "law", the curse was brought down upon them - and all mankind.
The blessings of God are:
Rains in there seasons
Land yielding produce
Trees bearing fruit
Food that is sufficient
Security in the land
Peace.
Elimination of wild beasts
No swords against them.
Ease of victory against all enemies.
God's presence with them.
God's acceptance of them.
Freedom.
God would perfectly provide for all their needs and they would have His Presence in their midst. Truly Paradise restored.
But, if they did not obey, if they broke the covenant then God would:
Send sudden terror, consumption and fever that would destroy sight and "cause the soul to pine away"
Allow enemies to steal their crops
Allow enemies to strike them down
Allow enemies to rule over them
Break down their "pride of power"
Make the sky like iron.
Make the land like bronze
The land would not produce food
The trees would not yield fruit
The beasts of the field would be set loose on their children and their cattle, the population would decrease.
Swords would come against them
Pestilence would come against them.
There would not be enough food
They would devour their own children
Cities would be laid waste.
The land would become desolate.
They would be scattered among the nations.
They would become weak.
As I read this list... I think of the Ebola virus in Africa, the terrorists in Syria and Iraq, the fires in California, the poverty and hunger around the world..... the weakness and lack of faith and obedience in Israel and in America.... and see that all that God has said is exactly what He has done.
Yet, He does not leave us there, rotting away in our iniquities... Verses 40-42 " If they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their forefathers, in their unfaithfulness which they committed against Me, and also in their acting with hostility against Me...... or if their uncircumcised heart becomes humbled so that they them make amends for their iniquity, then I will remember My covenant with Isaac, and My covenant with Abraham as well, and I will remember the land."
God still calls us to Himself. He desires that we confess our sins, that we humble ourselves, that we repent and make amends for our disobedience to His Word... and He tells us that when we do that - He will remember His promises. He will redeem us and restore us to fellowship with Himself forever.
And because of this - we pray. Not just for ourselves but we plead for the eternal welfare of others.
That they also will confess their sins, humble themselves before God and repent, turn around from curseful living to the life that brings God's blessings.
Our Father in Heaven, thank You for never leaving us or forsaking us, but for providing for our redemption through Jesus Christ the Lord. Your Word is truth and it lights our path so that we can see You, the Majestic and Merciful God, Who rules over all with grace and glory. Help us this day to walk in righteousness. Fill us with Your Spirit. We desire Your will and Your Kingdom and Your glory. Amen
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Leviticus 20-25 Some of this is a restating of what has already been taught. The overall theme is the Holiness of God and the consecration and sanctification of the people.
God rescued and redeemed the people of Israel out of Egypt. ( As He rescued us and redeemed us)
He gave them His Law so that they would know His will for them in every part of their lives.( As He reveals in His Word His perfect will for us)
He provided a way of atonement and forgiveness for when they sinned against Him. ( As He has provide atonement for us through Christ our Lord.)
Yet, He was not finished with them. He gives them continuing instruction for purity and holy living. They are called to consecrate themselves, to be holy - because God is holy. Their part is to follow His statutes and practice what He has told them. ( 20:7) But that is not enough.. " ... I am the LORD who sanctifies you." (verse8) The Lord Himself does the sanctifying. He has "separated" them from the peoples. ( verse24). "Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine." This is also true for us. Is is the Lord who sanctifies us through and through, and it our part to consecrate ourselves to be holy by obeying His Word.
Chapters 21-22 give specific directions to the priests. Because of their great responsibility to serve in the holy sanctuary of God they needed to be completely free of anything unworthy of the LORD. Their relationships, their habits, their physical health, their handling of the offerings... everything was to be as perfect as possible. Nothing less than their best was to be presented to the LORD. Anything defective would profane His holy Name. ".. but I will be sanctified among the sons of Israel; I am the LORD who sanctifies you. " ( 22:32) God is worthy of the best we can give. Always!
Chapter 23 gives the teaching about the festivals which we have already looked at when reading about the Day of Atonement. Again, I think it is important to note that God declares His "appointed times". All of these appointed times involved coming apart from normal everyday life and work, to come apart to God. These celebrations acknowledged that all things came from God and belonged to Him. To give thanks and praise and worship to Him. To repent and find atonement for sins from Him. And a time to celebrate God's goodness.
Chapter 24 starts out with some more directions for the priests - keeping the oil lamps burning and keeping the memorial portion of bread ( which represented the tribes of Israel) before the LORD. Everything was to be kept "in order".
Starting at verse 10 there is a story about a boy/man who had an Israelite mother, but who's father was an Egyptian. It seems that the father is not in the picture at the time of the incident. This man fought with another man in the camp and he blasphemed the Name of the LORD. They brought him before Moses and the LORD pronounced judgement on him. He was stoned to death because he cursed God.
Chapter 25 gives the law about the sabbath years and the year of jubilee. It talks of how the Lord will provide for His people when they are obedient in observing these special times. The redemption of land, houses, and men were all based on how many years were left until the next year of jubilee. We are never told that Israel actually obeyed this....
Verses 35-56 teach about the treatment of the poor and needy. Over and over the Lord stresses that they are to treat these people fairly and kindly... in reverence to HIM. The needy were His servants, not theirs. They were to respect their fellow countrymen and to keep in mind that they all belonged to God, who commanded them to revere Him.
Father in Heaven. Teach us your ways and sanctify us that we may walk in them. You are the Almighty God and all things come from You and all things are for You. We are Your servants and You the LORD are our God. We present our bodies, living and holy sacrifices to You. May they be acceptable in Your sight. Transform us by renewing our minds and hearts by Your holy Word. In Jesus Christ and Him alone do we come, Amen.
God rescued and redeemed the people of Israel out of Egypt. ( As He rescued us and redeemed us)
He gave them His Law so that they would know His will for them in every part of their lives.( As He reveals in His Word His perfect will for us)
He provided a way of atonement and forgiveness for when they sinned against Him. ( As He has provide atonement for us through Christ our Lord.)
Yet, He was not finished with them. He gives them continuing instruction for purity and holy living. They are called to consecrate themselves, to be holy - because God is holy. Their part is to follow His statutes and practice what He has told them. ( 20:7) But that is not enough.. " ... I am the LORD who sanctifies you." (verse8) The Lord Himself does the sanctifying. He has "separated" them from the peoples. ( verse24). "Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine." This is also true for us. Is is the Lord who sanctifies us through and through, and it our part to consecrate ourselves to be holy by obeying His Word.
Chapters 21-22 give specific directions to the priests. Because of their great responsibility to serve in the holy sanctuary of God they needed to be completely free of anything unworthy of the LORD. Their relationships, their habits, their physical health, their handling of the offerings... everything was to be as perfect as possible. Nothing less than their best was to be presented to the LORD. Anything defective would profane His holy Name. ".. but I will be sanctified among the sons of Israel; I am the LORD who sanctifies you. " ( 22:32) God is worthy of the best we can give. Always!
Chapter 23 gives the teaching about the festivals which we have already looked at when reading about the Day of Atonement. Again, I think it is important to note that God declares His "appointed times". All of these appointed times involved coming apart from normal everyday life and work, to come apart to God. These celebrations acknowledged that all things came from God and belonged to Him. To give thanks and praise and worship to Him. To repent and find atonement for sins from Him. And a time to celebrate God's goodness.
Chapter 24 starts out with some more directions for the priests - keeping the oil lamps burning and keeping the memorial portion of bread ( which represented the tribes of Israel) before the LORD. Everything was to be kept "in order".
Starting at verse 10 there is a story about a boy/man who had an Israelite mother, but who's father was an Egyptian. It seems that the father is not in the picture at the time of the incident. This man fought with another man in the camp and he blasphemed the Name of the LORD. They brought him before Moses and the LORD pronounced judgement on him. He was stoned to death because he cursed God.
Chapter 25 gives the law about the sabbath years and the year of jubilee. It talks of how the Lord will provide for His people when they are obedient in observing these special times. The redemption of land, houses, and men were all based on how many years were left until the next year of jubilee. We are never told that Israel actually obeyed this....
Verses 35-56 teach about the treatment of the poor and needy. Over and over the Lord stresses that they are to treat these people fairly and kindly... in reverence to HIM. The needy were His servants, not theirs. They were to respect their fellow countrymen and to keep in mind that they all belonged to God, who commanded them to revere Him.
Father in Heaven. Teach us your ways and sanctify us that we may walk in them. You are the Almighty God and all things come from You and all things are for You. We are Your servants and You the LORD are our God. We present our bodies, living and holy sacrifices to You. May they be acceptable in Your sight. Transform us by renewing our minds and hearts by Your holy Word. In Jesus Christ and Him alone do we come, Amen.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Leviticus 19 Sixteen times in this chapter alone the Lord declares " I am the Lord your God" or "I am the Lord". Parts of this echo the 10 Commandments and parts seem to be a clarification of those laws. Other laws are... well, interesting...
Again the Lord declares this, " You shall be holy of I the Lord your God am holy." His will for His people is that they have clean and pure hearts that are a reflection of their God. His laws are for the good of the nation and for each individual. They are for the rich and the poor, for the native and for the foreigner.
Mentioned in this chapter are these laws:
Reverence your mother and father.
Keep the sabbaths.
Do not make idols.
Don't eat the meat from the peace offering after the 3rd day.
Don't reap all the grain or pick all the fruit.. leave some for the needy.
Don't steal.
Don't lie to one another.
Don't swear falsely about something.
Don't oppress your neighbor.
Don't rob him.
Don't treat a deaf or blind person cruelly.
Don't be unjust or unfair.
Don't slander someone.
Don't hate your fellow countryman.
Don't take vengeance.
Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Don't crossbreed, cross pollinate, or mix materials together.
If a man rapes a slave woman, he must bring a guilt offering.
When they entered the new land they were told to plant fruit trees, don't eat the food for the first 3 years, offer the 4th year's fruit to the Lord, and start enjoying the fruit the 5th year.
Don't eat anything with blood.
Don't practice divination or soothsaying.
Don't cut your beards in different ways.
Don't cut your bodies for the dead.
Don't tattoo your bodies.
Don't make your daughter a harlot.
Keep the sabbath.
Revere the sanctuary.
Don't use mediums or spiritists.
Honor the aged.
Don't treat foreigners badly, but love him.
Have honest weights for buying and selling
Now, most of these we can agree with. They make sense, are reasonable, and we are glad for them.
A few are cultural - such as the cutting of the beard or body - which were probably pagan practices. The divination, soothsaying, use of mediums or spiritists, are all forbidden occultic practices. God is again telling His people, "Do not be conformed to this world...." Be set apart - be holy.
When Jesus is asked about which commandment is greatest He answered, " And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" The first part is a quote from Deuteronomy 6:5 and the second is from this chapter in Leviticus. So right in the middle of this seemingly random list of laws, is the second greatest Law of all of them, according to Jesus.
Think about this. The Lord is calling his people to be holy because He is holy. He is reminding them over and over that He is the LORD their God. He is calling them out to Love... to Love HIM and to love their neighbors, their countrymen, the poor, and the foreigners. To respect and honor Him and each other. When we love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength we will obey His laws that define what it means to be holy. When we treat others in accordance with these laws, we are loving them, and that is holy in the sight of God.
Father in heaven, You are Holy. You are worthy of our love and obedience in all things. Forgive us our trespasses against Your holy will. Help us to love You with all of our being and to love others as ourselves. Help us to respect and honor one another with truth and fairness, with kindness and patience. Only You can make us holy. Transform us into the holy people that You desire for us to be. Renew our minds and renovate our hearts we pray. In Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, we ask these things. Amen
Again the Lord declares this, " You shall be holy of I the Lord your God am holy." His will for His people is that they have clean and pure hearts that are a reflection of their God. His laws are for the good of the nation and for each individual. They are for the rich and the poor, for the native and for the foreigner.
Mentioned in this chapter are these laws:
Reverence your mother and father.
Keep the sabbaths.
Do not make idols.
Don't eat the meat from the peace offering after the 3rd day.
Don't reap all the grain or pick all the fruit.. leave some for the needy.
Don't steal.
Don't lie to one another.
Don't swear falsely about something.
Don't oppress your neighbor.
Don't rob him.
Don't treat a deaf or blind person cruelly.
Don't be unjust or unfair.
Don't slander someone.
Don't hate your fellow countryman.
Don't take vengeance.
Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Don't crossbreed, cross pollinate, or mix materials together.
If a man rapes a slave woman, he must bring a guilt offering.
When they entered the new land they were told to plant fruit trees, don't eat the food for the first 3 years, offer the 4th year's fruit to the Lord, and start enjoying the fruit the 5th year.
Don't eat anything with blood.
Don't practice divination or soothsaying.
Don't cut your beards in different ways.
Don't cut your bodies for the dead.
Don't tattoo your bodies.
Don't make your daughter a harlot.
Keep the sabbath.
Revere the sanctuary.
Don't use mediums or spiritists.
Honor the aged.
Don't treat foreigners badly, but love him.
Have honest weights for buying and selling
Now, most of these we can agree with. They make sense, are reasonable, and we are glad for them.
A few are cultural - such as the cutting of the beard or body - which were probably pagan practices. The divination, soothsaying, use of mediums or spiritists, are all forbidden occultic practices. God is again telling His people, "Do not be conformed to this world...." Be set apart - be holy.
When Jesus is asked about which commandment is greatest He answered, " And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" The first part is a quote from Deuteronomy 6:5 and the second is from this chapter in Leviticus. So right in the middle of this seemingly random list of laws, is the second greatest Law of all of them, according to Jesus.
Think about this. The Lord is calling his people to be holy because He is holy. He is reminding them over and over that He is the LORD their God. He is calling them out to Love... to Love HIM and to love their neighbors, their countrymen, the poor, and the foreigners. To respect and honor Him and each other. When we love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength we will obey His laws that define what it means to be holy. When we treat others in accordance with these laws, we are loving them, and that is holy in the sight of God.
Father in heaven, You are Holy. You are worthy of our love and obedience in all things. Forgive us our trespasses against Your holy will. Help us to love You with all of our being and to love others as ourselves. Help us to respect and honor one another with truth and fairness, with kindness and patience. Only You can make us holy. Transform us into the holy people that You desire for us to be. Renew our minds and renovate our hearts we pray. In Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, we ask these things. Amen
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Leviticus 18 This chapter begins with an important declaration: "I am the LORD your God." (v2) This declaration is repeated in verses 4, 5, 6, 21, and 30. The LORD, God of Israel has called out His people to be holy as He is holy. He has revealed His will for them, that they would know the difference between what is clean and what is unclean; what is holy and what is profane. He has provided for them the good news - that when they sin, there is a way to forgiveness and cleansing by the sacrifices of an atonement offering. God has more to teach His people regarding His standards, His will for them...
The Israelites are warned to "not do what is done in the land of Egypt where you lived, nor are you to do what is done in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you; you shall not walk in their statutes. You are to perform My judgements and keep My statutes, to live in accord with them; I am the LORD your God." ( verses 3-4) The reason is given in verses 24-25 "Do not defile yourselves by any of these things; for by all these the nations which I am casting out before you have become defiled. For the land has become defiled, therefore I have visited its punishment upon it, so the land has spewed out its inhabitants." And verse 27 "for the men of the land who have been before you have done all these abominations and the land has become defiled." Verse 30 " Thus you are to keep My charge, that you do not practice any of the abominable customs which have been practiced before you, so as not to defile yourselves with them; I am the Lord your God."
The rest of the chapter explains what these abominations are:
Pornography ( uncovering nakedness)
Incest of any kind.
Lewdness.
Impurity.
Adultery.
Idolatry.( In particular the offering of children to Molech)
Homosexuality.
Bestiality
These were customs, manners, or even statutes of both Egypt and Canaan. They were common and legal. But they were ( and are) "abominations" in God's sight. He abhors this behavior. He detests it.
The LORD detests these customs so much that He spewed the inhabitants out of the land. Notice that the land was defiled, not by the physical pollution of gases and litter and such ( as we focus on in this day and age), but it was defiled and polluted by the sinful behaviors of the people.
"And do not be conformed to this world..." Paul writes in Romans 12. This is exactly the same message, isn't it? The world practices these same sinful acts now as they did in the days of Moses and in the days of Paul. There is nothing new under the sun.. as Solomon wrote. Has God changed His mind about this? NO! Not at all. Sin is still sin, these things that defiled the lands of Canaan and Egypt and Israel... defile our land too. God is bringing His judgements against this land and it is as certain as the judgements that He brought on those in Canaan. "... but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove ( discern) what the will of God is, that which is good, acceptable, and perfect." Paul continues. We belong to a holy God Who loves us and wants us to obey His commands in His Word, which has not changed. These are the Words of life and the only way to know Him. He still calls for us to be holy. It is still His will that we do not practice these things which He abhors.
O Holy Father, we praise You and worship You alone. We do not want to be fashioned according to the world's patterns and customs. We want to be renovated and refashioned in our thinking so that we can know what Your good and perfect and acceptable plans are for us. This world is not our home. Our home is with You for all of eternity. Lead us away from these temptations and deliver us from the evil one who comes to deceive, kill, and destroy. Lead us in Your righteousness for Your Name's sake. For Your honor and glory. Come and help us Holy Spirit. We ask in Jesus' Name. Amen
The Israelites are warned to "not do what is done in the land of Egypt where you lived, nor are you to do what is done in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you; you shall not walk in their statutes. You are to perform My judgements and keep My statutes, to live in accord with them; I am the LORD your God." ( verses 3-4) The reason is given in verses 24-25 "Do not defile yourselves by any of these things; for by all these the nations which I am casting out before you have become defiled. For the land has become defiled, therefore I have visited its punishment upon it, so the land has spewed out its inhabitants." And verse 27 "for the men of the land who have been before you have done all these abominations and the land has become defiled." Verse 30 " Thus you are to keep My charge, that you do not practice any of the abominable customs which have been practiced before you, so as not to defile yourselves with them; I am the Lord your God."
The rest of the chapter explains what these abominations are:
Pornography ( uncovering nakedness)
Incest of any kind.
Lewdness.
Impurity.
Adultery.
Idolatry.( In particular the offering of children to Molech)
Homosexuality.
Bestiality
These were customs, manners, or even statutes of both Egypt and Canaan. They were common and legal. But they were ( and are) "abominations" in God's sight. He abhors this behavior. He detests it.
The LORD detests these customs so much that He spewed the inhabitants out of the land. Notice that the land was defiled, not by the physical pollution of gases and litter and such ( as we focus on in this day and age), but it was defiled and polluted by the sinful behaviors of the people.
"And do not be conformed to this world..." Paul writes in Romans 12. This is exactly the same message, isn't it? The world practices these same sinful acts now as they did in the days of Moses and in the days of Paul. There is nothing new under the sun.. as Solomon wrote. Has God changed His mind about this? NO! Not at all. Sin is still sin, these things that defiled the lands of Canaan and Egypt and Israel... defile our land too. God is bringing His judgements against this land and it is as certain as the judgements that He brought on those in Canaan. "... but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove ( discern) what the will of God is, that which is good, acceptable, and perfect." Paul continues. We belong to a holy God Who loves us and wants us to obey His commands in His Word, which has not changed. These are the Words of life and the only way to know Him. He still calls for us to be holy. It is still His will that we do not practice these things which He abhors.
O Holy Father, we praise You and worship You alone. We do not want to be fashioned according to the world's patterns and customs. We want to be renovated and refashioned in our thinking so that we can know what Your good and perfect and acceptable plans are for us. This world is not our home. Our home is with You for all of eternity. Lead us away from these temptations and deliver us from the evil one who comes to deceive, kill, and destroy. Lead us in Your righteousness for Your Name's sake. For Your honor and glory. Come and help us Holy Spirit. We ask in Jesus' Name. Amen
Monday, September 22, 2014
Leviticus 16-17/23 The Day of Atonement. Chapter 16 gives the procedures and law for this important religious festival. Again there is great significance in every procedure and we must go below the surface to gain spiritual insights. Every day there were atonement offerings brought to the tabernacle, but on this one certain day.. on the 10th day of the seventh month, there was a special observance to be held once a year. This was the only time that the priest was allowed to enter into the holy of holies. He had to bring an atonement sacrifice for himself, his household, and for the rest of the assembly of Israel. He made atonement for the holy place, for the tent and for the people.
On this day the Lord required His people to " humble your souls". The offerings were presented, the blood was shed, and atonement was made... every year.
In Chapter 23 the Lord speaks to Moses about these "appointed times".
The seventh day, the sabbath - was an appointed time of the Lord.
On the 14th day of the 1st month the Passover was to be observed. This was an appointed time of convocation.
On the 15th day and for 7 days - The Feast of Unleavened Bread was to be observed.
When the harvest time began then the people were to bring an offering of first fruits before the Lord before they ate any of the new produce. Then they were to count 7 sabbaths/50 days and then present a new grain offering. This was an appointed time. ( The Feast of Pentecost)
On the first day of the 7th month they were to observe a day of rest - a trumpet was blown as a reminder of this holy convocation .
Then on the 10th day of the same month the day of atonement was to be observed with a humbling of their souls.
And on the 15th of the same month there would begin 7 days of the Feast of Booths.
"So Moses declared to the sons of Israel the appointed times of the Lord."
There are different calendars - Jewish and English. There are also two different ideas for the Jewish calendar - civil and sacred. But, on the sacred calendar the seventh month is roughly September/October on ours. Rosh Hashanah ( which is being celebrated this week ) is now considered the "Feast of Trumpets" or new year - although that is not recorded in Leviticus. 10 days later would come the Day of Atonement - which was a solemn and holy day of mourning and repentance. Then the "Feast of Tabernacles", also called the feast of ingathering would begin on the 15th day of the month.
So the sequence is :
A trumpet is sounded.
Atonement is made.
The final harvest is celebrated.
So again we need to hear what the Shepherd is saying to us through His Word.
The Lord has appointed times for us... He knows each of our minutes, hours, days, and years. David wrote in Psalm 139:16-17 " Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Thy book they were written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. "
I went to a funeral this morning and the pastor talked about this very same concept. Though the death of this child of God was unexpected by his family.. it was appointed by the Lord. "And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after that the judgement." ( Hebrews 9:27)
There is also an appointed time when the trumpet will sound and the dead in Christ will rise.. those who believe will be raptured, changed in a twinkling of the eye and taken to heaven forever. Some believe that this day is approaching quickly. Only the Lord knows whether our appointed time to come before Him will be through our death or through His coming... but either way, we need to be ready. We need to know Him as our Savior and Lord. We need to be walking in obedience and faith. We need to have humbled our souls...to have mourned over our sins and to have the atoning blood of Christ wash us clean from all our sins.
Only then will be ready for the appointed times of the Lord.
Father in Heaven, forgive us our sins, deliver us from evil, cleanse us and make us ready in Christ Jesus our Lord. Open our ears to hear and our eyes to see You. We need You Lord. Amen.
On this day the Lord required His people to " humble your souls". The offerings were presented, the blood was shed, and atonement was made... every year.
In Chapter 23 the Lord speaks to Moses about these "appointed times".
The seventh day, the sabbath - was an appointed time of the Lord.
On the 14th day of the 1st month the Passover was to be observed. This was an appointed time of convocation.
On the 15th day and for 7 days - The Feast of Unleavened Bread was to be observed.
When the harvest time began then the people were to bring an offering of first fruits before the Lord before they ate any of the new produce. Then they were to count 7 sabbaths/50 days and then present a new grain offering. This was an appointed time. ( The Feast of Pentecost)
On the first day of the 7th month they were to observe a day of rest - a trumpet was blown as a reminder of this holy convocation .
Then on the 10th day of the same month the day of atonement was to be observed with a humbling of their souls.
And on the 15th of the same month there would begin 7 days of the Feast of Booths.
"So Moses declared to the sons of Israel the appointed times of the Lord."
There are different calendars - Jewish and English. There are also two different ideas for the Jewish calendar - civil and sacred. But, on the sacred calendar the seventh month is roughly September/October on ours. Rosh Hashanah ( which is being celebrated this week ) is now considered the "Feast of Trumpets" or new year - although that is not recorded in Leviticus. 10 days later would come the Day of Atonement - which was a solemn and holy day of mourning and repentance. Then the "Feast of Tabernacles", also called the feast of ingathering would begin on the 15th day of the month.
So the sequence is :
A trumpet is sounded.
Atonement is made.
The final harvest is celebrated.
So again we need to hear what the Shepherd is saying to us through His Word.
The Lord has appointed times for us... He knows each of our minutes, hours, days, and years. David wrote in Psalm 139:16-17 " Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Thy book they were written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. "
I went to a funeral this morning and the pastor talked about this very same concept. Though the death of this child of God was unexpected by his family.. it was appointed by the Lord. "And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after that the judgement." ( Hebrews 9:27)
There is also an appointed time when the trumpet will sound and the dead in Christ will rise.. those who believe will be raptured, changed in a twinkling of the eye and taken to heaven forever. Some believe that this day is approaching quickly. Only the Lord knows whether our appointed time to come before Him will be through our death or through His coming... but either way, we need to be ready. We need to know Him as our Savior and Lord. We need to be walking in obedience and faith. We need to have humbled our souls...to have mourned over our sins and to have the atoning blood of Christ wash us clean from all our sins.
Only then will be ready for the appointed times of the Lord.
Father in Heaven, forgive us our sins, deliver us from evil, cleanse us and make us ready in Christ Jesus our Lord. Open our ears to hear and our eyes to see You. We need You Lord. Amen.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Leviticus 15
Chapter 15 teaches that there is a need for men and women to take careful precautions with physical discharges. Again, this isn't some random, fanatical set of laws, but reasonable and wise directions for people everywhere and at all times. Today, as we read the news about the spread of Ebola in west Africa, these simple precautions would save the lives of many. Yesterday, a group of men went into a village in Guinea to teach the people how to stem the spread of the disease. The village people were animists.. they did not want to hear this good and reasonable word.. and they attacked and killed those who came to help them stay healthy. Likewise, there are many in our nation who want to say that the Word of God, especially those we are reading in Leviticus, are no longer important or valid. But, I don't believe that is true. The western world has accepted these truths.. but we think we do it because of what science has revealed. We don't want to believe something because God said it... but because Science "proves" it.... Ha! Science has only found out that what God said thousands of years of go IS true!
Verse 31 gives us a spiritual principle that is important for us to take heed of, " Thus you shall keep the sons of Israel separated from their uncleanness, lest they die in their uncleanness by their defiling My tabernacle that is among them." Just as we take precautions with physical cleanliness to prevent the spread of disease, we need to take precautions with our spiritual health. We do so my examining ourselves often, confessing our uncleanness and coming to our Savior Who alone can wash us white as snow. We also need to take care not to contaminate God's tabernacle - which is His Church, His Body - by taking our sinful, unclean hearts and attitudes, and spreading them around to other Christians. And just like we need to wash ourselves every day, we need to examine our hearts by the Light of His Word every day!
O Holy, holy God, we confess that we are unholy and unclean in Your sight. Yet we can praise and offer thanks to You that by Your great grace, Jesus has washed away all of our sins and made us clean and whole again. Help us to take heed of Your holy Word and to walk according to Your Light that has been freely given to us. All we have is Yours Lord God and all we do is for Your glory. Open our eyes to see You, to have a transforming vision of Your Majesty, to be renewed in our minds as we come to truly know You. In Jesus' Name we ask this, amen.
Chapter 15 teaches that there is a need for men and women to take careful precautions with physical discharges. Again, this isn't some random, fanatical set of laws, but reasonable and wise directions for people everywhere and at all times. Today, as we read the news about the spread of Ebola in west Africa, these simple precautions would save the lives of many. Yesterday, a group of men went into a village in Guinea to teach the people how to stem the spread of the disease. The village people were animists.. they did not want to hear this good and reasonable word.. and they attacked and killed those who came to help them stay healthy. Likewise, there are many in our nation who want to say that the Word of God, especially those we are reading in Leviticus, are no longer important or valid. But, I don't believe that is true. The western world has accepted these truths.. but we think we do it because of what science has revealed. We don't want to believe something because God said it... but because Science "proves" it.... Ha! Science has only found out that what God said thousands of years of go IS true!
Verse 31 gives us a spiritual principle that is important for us to take heed of, " Thus you shall keep the sons of Israel separated from their uncleanness, lest they die in their uncleanness by their defiling My tabernacle that is among them." Just as we take precautions with physical cleanliness to prevent the spread of disease, we need to take precautions with our spiritual health. We do so my examining ourselves often, confessing our uncleanness and coming to our Savior Who alone can wash us white as snow. We also need to take care not to contaminate God's tabernacle - which is His Church, His Body - by taking our sinful, unclean hearts and attitudes, and spreading them around to other Christians. And just like we need to wash ourselves every day, we need to examine our hearts by the Light of His Word every day!
O Holy, holy God, we confess that we are unholy and unclean in Your sight. Yet we can praise and offer thanks to You that by Your great grace, Jesus has washed away all of our sins and made us clean and whole again. Help us to take heed of Your holy Word and to walk according to Your Light that has been freely given to us. All we have is Yours Lord God and all we do is for Your glory. Open our eyes to see You, to have a transforming vision of Your Majesty, to be renewed in our minds as we come to truly know You. In Jesus' Name we ask this, amen.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Leviticus 12-14 The Lord gives Moses very specific instructions on how to deal with health issues. The purpose is summed up in 14:57 " .. to teach when they are unclean and when they are clean."
These laws include the woman who has a baby, a person who has a sore on his body, clothing that has some kind of mark on it, and houses that are infected with some sort of mark.
Chapter 12 deals just with the woman who has a baby. It outlines the time of her "uncleanness" or "the days of her purification". Afterwards, they take an offering to sacrifice. A sin offering is given, atonement is made, and the woman is declared clean. This seems very strange to us. But in a day without modern conveniences the woman would not be able to keep the discharge of blood from flowing as neatly and contained as we do now. This time of isolation or separation would help and it would also give the woman the privacy from public life, so she could bond with her newborn.
In chapters 13-14 the laws specify what the priests were responsible for when there was an outbreak of infection on a person or an object. It goes into great detail describing what is ok and what is not.
The priests did not treat the problem but were instrumental in deciding what would happen next. In the worst case the person would be diagnosed with leprosy and sent outside the camp. An article of clothing that was "infected" would be burned, or an infected house would be torn down. But in every case there was an observation made, seven days of quarantine, another inspection, and then a decision made. Also, there would be hope of healing and cleansing and restoration of the person or thing.
These procedures are reasonable and sensible. God's laws are always for the welfare of His people.
They were not tedious laws given by a picky and uncaring dictator. We need to look "deeper than the surface" ( 14:37)
The priests were not to make hasty judgements. They were to make careful observations and evaluations. They were not to isolate themselves from those who were suffering - but to be intimately acquainted with the individual and the family, and the community as a whole.
The dominant principle continues to be the same as in previous chapters - God is Holy and He desires His people to be holy too. He wants to help us and He provides for us in all of our daily needs - physical, spiritual, and practical...
Thank You Heavenly Father for Your tender care for us, the sheep of Your pasture. Keep us from all unrighteousness. Heal us and cleanse us from those infectious spots of sin and rebellion and unbelief. May we know the love and care of our Great Shepherd, who anoints our heads with oil, Who leads us beside the still waters, and Who makes us to lie down in green pastures. May we hear His voice and follow Him. When we are weighed down with life; when we are carrying burdens too heavy; when sin or doubt or worry breaks out like a sore on our soul... take us aside into Your care and bring us back into fellowship with You, cleanse us and make us whole...we ask this in the Powerful Name of Jesus,
Amen
These laws include the woman who has a baby, a person who has a sore on his body, clothing that has some kind of mark on it, and houses that are infected with some sort of mark.
Chapter 12 deals just with the woman who has a baby. It outlines the time of her "uncleanness" or "the days of her purification". Afterwards, they take an offering to sacrifice. A sin offering is given, atonement is made, and the woman is declared clean. This seems very strange to us. But in a day without modern conveniences the woman would not be able to keep the discharge of blood from flowing as neatly and contained as we do now. This time of isolation or separation would help and it would also give the woman the privacy from public life, so she could bond with her newborn.
In chapters 13-14 the laws specify what the priests were responsible for when there was an outbreak of infection on a person or an object. It goes into great detail describing what is ok and what is not.
The priests did not treat the problem but were instrumental in deciding what would happen next. In the worst case the person would be diagnosed with leprosy and sent outside the camp. An article of clothing that was "infected" would be burned, or an infected house would be torn down. But in every case there was an observation made, seven days of quarantine, another inspection, and then a decision made. Also, there would be hope of healing and cleansing and restoration of the person or thing.
These procedures are reasonable and sensible. God's laws are always for the welfare of His people.
They were not tedious laws given by a picky and uncaring dictator. We need to look "deeper than the surface" ( 14:37)
The priests were not to make hasty judgements. They were to make careful observations and evaluations. They were not to isolate themselves from those who were suffering - but to be intimately acquainted with the individual and the family, and the community as a whole.
The dominant principle continues to be the same as in previous chapters - God is Holy and He desires His people to be holy too. He wants to help us and He provides for us in all of our daily needs - physical, spiritual, and practical...
Thank You Heavenly Father for Your tender care for us, the sheep of Your pasture. Keep us from all unrighteousness. Heal us and cleanse us from those infectious spots of sin and rebellion and unbelief. May we know the love and care of our Great Shepherd, who anoints our heads with oil, Who leads us beside the still waters, and Who makes us to lie down in green pastures. May we hear His voice and follow Him. When we are weighed down with life; when we are carrying burdens too heavy; when sin or doubt or worry breaks out like a sore on our soul... take us aside into Your care and bring us back into fellowship with You, cleanse us and make us whole...we ask this in the Powerful Name of Jesus,
Amen
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Leviticus 11 begins a detailed section of very specific laws for the people of Israel. This chapter deals with food, specifically which animals could be eaten and which could not. The overall emphasis is the issue of what is "clean" or "unclean". The term unclean is the Hebrew word "tame" (pronounced, taw-may )- meaning "to be foul; contaminated;" polluted. The writer also uses the terms "detestable" and "abhorrent". Along with the list of things that could or could not be eaten, there are examples of things that would cause a person or thing to be temporarily unclean when they were touched.
What can we learn from this? What does this matter since Jesus came and since Peter's vision on the roof in Joppa ( Acts 10) ?
Verses 43-44; 47 " Do not render yourselves detestable through.... and you shall not make yourselves unclean with them..... For I am the Lord you God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am holy..... to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean.... "
First of all, we need to know that when we associate or partake of the things that are detestable and unclean in God's sight, that we make ourselves detestable and unclean. We do this to ourselves. It is a choice we make out of our own free will.
Most importantly, these choices separate us from the will of God for us, which is, " you shall be holy for I am holy." God desires us to be consecrated to Him. Set apart for Him. Pure for Him.
These 2 facts have not changed:
Unclean things make us unclean.
God desires us to be holy.
No, we do not worry about what animals we can eat or not eat. For God has provided everything.
Nor do we observe the various requirements for becoming clean again. For Christ has made us clean!
Praise God!!
But, as Paul wrote in I Corinthians 10:23 " All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable."
We are exhorted by Peter to be " like the Holy One who called you , be holy yourselves in all your behavior." ( I Peter 1:15) How? " As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts, which were yours in your ignorance." ( verse 14)
Jesus told the Pharisees that is was not that which they ate or how they ate that made them unclean, but what came out of the heart..
Peter writes, " Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander...."( I Peter 2:1) And Paul tells us that the deeds of the flesh are " immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these...." ( Galatians 5:19-21)
These are the "unclean" and "detestable" things that come out of the heart and render us unclean.
These are some of the things that keep us from being holy as God desires us to be.
As the Israelites could choose or not choose to partake of that which was unclean, we choose to partake of the "deeds of the flesh" or not. Both Peter and Paul give instructions to help us make the right choice.
I Peter 2:2-3 " like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord." We must read and study and feed on the Word of God. It is our daily bread. Without it we will be weak and vulnerable to craving that which is unfit for a holy child of God.
Paul writes in Galatians 5:16 " But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." And in verse 25 "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." We need the "living water", the Spirit of God constantly and consistently filling us and producing in us His fruit, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;.." (v.22-23)
So, the issue of what is clean and unclean; polluted or pure; detestable or holy; isn't what comes from outside of our bodies as it was for Israel, for it is what is in our hearts - our spiritual diet that matters. The principle has not changed. There are still things that render us unclean in God's sight when we choose them instead of HIM. And He wants us wholly for Himself ! He loves us and desires for us to be like Him so that we can be with Him forever.
Loving Father, You are holy and we exalt You. You have chosen to love us and to redeem us from all sin and uncleanness. You have provided for our atonement through the cross of our blessed Savior, Jesus Christ. You have given us Your Spirit to lead us in holy living, to fill us with all that is pure and good and acceptable. You have given to us the Word of Life . The Bread that provides true life.
Thank You. Forgive us Lord for our trespasses and sins. Cleanse us from every secret or hidden sin. May we grow in our knowledge of You and of Your Word and live a life worthy of You. We ask in Jesus' powerful Name. Amen.
What can we learn from this? What does this matter since Jesus came and since Peter's vision on the roof in Joppa ( Acts 10) ?
Verses 43-44; 47 " Do not render yourselves detestable through.... and you shall not make yourselves unclean with them..... For I am the Lord you God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am holy..... to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean.... "
First of all, we need to know that when we associate or partake of the things that are detestable and unclean in God's sight, that we make ourselves detestable and unclean. We do this to ourselves. It is a choice we make out of our own free will.
Most importantly, these choices separate us from the will of God for us, which is, " you shall be holy for I am holy." God desires us to be consecrated to Him. Set apart for Him. Pure for Him.
These 2 facts have not changed:
Unclean things make us unclean.
God desires us to be holy.
No, we do not worry about what animals we can eat or not eat. For God has provided everything.
Nor do we observe the various requirements for becoming clean again. For Christ has made us clean!
Praise God!!
But, as Paul wrote in I Corinthians 10:23 " All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable."
We are exhorted by Peter to be " like the Holy One who called you , be holy yourselves in all your behavior." ( I Peter 1:15) How? " As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts, which were yours in your ignorance." ( verse 14)
Jesus told the Pharisees that is was not that which they ate or how they ate that made them unclean, but what came out of the heart..
Peter writes, " Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander...."( I Peter 2:1) And Paul tells us that the deeds of the flesh are " immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these...." ( Galatians 5:19-21)
These are the "unclean" and "detestable" things that come out of the heart and render us unclean.
These are some of the things that keep us from being holy as God desires us to be.
As the Israelites could choose or not choose to partake of that which was unclean, we choose to partake of the "deeds of the flesh" or not. Both Peter and Paul give instructions to help us make the right choice.
I Peter 2:2-3 " like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord." We must read and study and feed on the Word of God. It is our daily bread. Without it we will be weak and vulnerable to craving that which is unfit for a holy child of God.
Paul writes in Galatians 5:16 " But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." And in verse 25 "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." We need the "living water", the Spirit of God constantly and consistently filling us and producing in us His fruit, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;.." (v.22-23)
So, the issue of what is clean and unclean; polluted or pure; detestable or holy; isn't what comes from outside of our bodies as it was for Israel, for it is what is in our hearts - our spiritual diet that matters. The principle has not changed. There are still things that render us unclean in God's sight when we choose them instead of HIM. And He wants us wholly for Himself ! He loves us and desires for us to be like Him so that we can be with Him forever.
Loving Father, You are holy and we exalt You. You have chosen to love us and to redeem us from all sin and uncleanness. You have provided for our atonement through the cross of our blessed Savior, Jesus Christ. You have given us Your Spirit to lead us in holy living, to fill us with all that is pure and good and acceptable. You have given to us the Word of Life . The Bread that provides true life.
Thank You. Forgive us Lord for our trespasses and sins. Cleanse us from every secret or hidden sin. May we grow in our knowledge of You and of Your Word and live a life worthy of You. We ask in Jesus' powerful Name. Amen.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Leviticus 10 Aaron's 2 sons Nadab and Abihu, were given the ministry of serving in the tabernacle. They were made priests of God. Leaders and teachers of the people of Israel. But they made a fatal decision. They offered "strange fire" on the altar of incense.
God had given them detailed instructions on what could be offered to Him. In Exodus 30:9 the command was given, " You shall not offer any strange incense on this altar or burnt offering or meal offering; and you shall not pour out a libation on it." Verses 34-35 of that chapter record the instructions for the incense, " Take for yourself spices, stacte, and onycha and galbanum, spices with pure frankincense; there shall be an equal part of each. And with it you shall make incense, a perfume, the work of a perfumer, salted, pure, and holy." Furthermore, they were instructed to never "make in the same proportions for yourselves; it shall be holy to you for the Lord."
What ever led Nadab and Abihu to offer this "strange fire" that day, we do not know. Was it a mistake? Laziness? Rebellion? Was it something they had used in Egypt? Whatever it was, God considered it dishonoring and immediately pronounced judgement. The men were consumed by God's Holy fire.
" By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy." God is HOLY. Tozer wrote, " We know nothing like the divine holiness. It stands apart, unique, unapproachable, incomprehensible and unattainable. The natural man is blind to it. He may fear God's power and admire His wisdom, but His holiness he cannot even imagine." ( From the Knowledge of the Holy)
Nadab and Abihu failed to approach the Holy One of Israel with reverent hearts that recognized the utter holiness of God. Their failure cost them their lives.
Aaron and his remaining two sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, were told to stay in the tabernacle and not to join in the mourning of these deaths. They were told to eat. They would also die if they disobeyed at this time.
The word "strange" (zuwr)- foreign, profane; can mean to commit adultery. God, remember, describes Himself as a "Jealous God". He commands His people to have no other gods. He wants His people to " make a distinction between the holy and the profane, and between the unclean and the clean," ( Verse 10). He wants us to be holy. And that is impossible for man, except by His redemptive grace.
Again, listen to Tozer's teaching, " God is holy and He has made holiness the moral condition necessary to the health of His universe. Sin's temporary presence in the world only accents this. Whatever is holy is healthy; evil is a moral sickness that must end ultimately in death.... Since God's first concern for His universe is its moral health, that is, its holiness, whatever is contrary to this is necessarily under His eternal displeasure. To preserve His creation God must destroy whatever would destroy it.... God's wrath is His utter intolerance of whatever degrades and destroys. He hates iniquity as a mother hates the polio that would take the life of her child."
Israel learned a great lesson that day. But, it was not the last time they had to learn it. Years later, David tried to have the Ark of the Covenant moved to Jerusalem.. but one of the men touched it to keep it from falling, and died instantly. Years after that, Ananias and Sapphira lied about an offering, offending the Holy Spirit, and were also slain immediately.
We don't hear of this happening so much any more. Sometimes I wonder why God doesn't strike down those in our day who speak such blasphemy and evil. But I am thankful that He is so merciful and patient with us. Thankful that we can "hide in our unholiness in the wounds of Christ as Moses hid himself in the cleft of the rock while the glory of God passed by. We must take refuge from God in God. Above all we must believe that God sees us perfect in His Son while He disciplines and chastens and purges us that we may be partakers of His holiness." ( Tozer)
"I shall extol Thee, My God, O King. I will bless Your holy Name forever and ever." (Psalm 145:1)
Father in Heaven, our Holy God and King, we bow before You and acknowledge Your holiness and our unworthiness. We never want to come to You with "strange" fire, with any attitude that does not honor You or treat You as holy. Forgive us Lord, for our rebellious, ignorant, and perverse hearts. That we would think we can come into Your Presence in any other way but by Jesus, our Savior and Lord. It is the blood of the Lamb that atones for our sins. Thank You for saving us. For making it even possible to come to the throne of grace. Lead us nearer and nearer still we ask, in His Name. Amen.
God had given them detailed instructions on what could be offered to Him. In Exodus 30:9 the command was given, " You shall not offer any strange incense on this altar or burnt offering or meal offering; and you shall not pour out a libation on it." Verses 34-35 of that chapter record the instructions for the incense, " Take for yourself spices, stacte, and onycha and galbanum, spices with pure frankincense; there shall be an equal part of each. And with it you shall make incense, a perfume, the work of a perfumer, salted, pure, and holy." Furthermore, they were instructed to never "make in the same proportions for yourselves; it shall be holy to you for the Lord."
What ever led Nadab and Abihu to offer this "strange fire" that day, we do not know. Was it a mistake? Laziness? Rebellion? Was it something they had used in Egypt? Whatever it was, God considered it dishonoring and immediately pronounced judgement. The men were consumed by God's Holy fire.
" By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy." God is HOLY. Tozer wrote, " We know nothing like the divine holiness. It stands apart, unique, unapproachable, incomprehensible and unattainable. The natural man is blind to it. He may fear God's power and admire His wisdom, but His holiness he cannot even imagine." ( From the Knowledge of the Holy)
Nadab and Abihu failed to approach the Holy One of Israel with reverent hearts that recognized the utter holiness of God. Their failure cost them their lives.
Aaron and his remaining two sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, were told to stay in the tabernacle and not to join in the mourning of these deaths. They were told to eat. They would also die if they disobeyed at this time.
The word "strange" (zuwr)- foreign, profane; can mean to commit adultery. God, remember, describes Himself as a "Jealous God". He commands His people to have no other gods. He wants His people to " make a distinction between the holy and the profane, and between the unclean and the clean," ( Verse 10). He wants us to be holy. And that is impossible for man, except by His redemptive grace.
Again, listen to Tozer's teaching, " God is holy and He has made holiness the moral condition necessary to the health of His universe. Sin's temporary presence in the world only accents this. Whatever is holy is healthy; evil is a moral sickness that must end ultimately in death.... Since God's first concern for His universe is its moral health, that is, its holiness, whatever is contrary to this is necessarily under His eternal displeasure. To preserve His creation God must destroy whatever would destroy it.... God's wrath is His utter intolerance of whatever degrades and destroys. He hates iniquity as a mother hates the polio that would take the life of her child."
Israel learned a great lesson that day. But, it was not the last time they had to learn it. Years later, David tried to have the Ark of the Covenant moved to Jerusalem.. but one of the men touched it to keep it from falling, and died instantly. Years after that, Ananias and Sapphira lied about an offering, offending the Holy Spirit, and were also slain immediately.
We don't hear of this happening so much any more. Sometimes I wonder why God doesn't strike down those in our day who speak such blasphemy and evil. But I am thankful that He is so merciful and patient with us. Thankful that we can "hide in our unholiness in the wounds of Christ as Moses hid himself in the cleft of the rock while the glory of God passed by. We must take refuge from God in God. Above all we must believe that God sees us perfect in His Son while He disciplines and chastens and purges us that we may be partakers of His holiness." ( Tozer)
"I shall extol Thee, My God, O King. I will bless Your holy Name forever and ever." (Psalm 145:1)
Father in Heaven, our Holy God and King, we bow before You and acknowledge Your holiness and our unworthiness. We never want to come to You with "strange" fire, with any attitude that does not honor You or treat You as holy. Forgive us Lord, for our rebellious, ignorant, and perverse hearts. That we would think we can come into Your Presence in any other way but by Jesus, our Savior and Lord. It is the blood of the Lamb that atones for our sins. Thank You for saving us. For making it even possible to come to the throne of grace. Lead us nearer and nearer still we ask, in His Name. Amen.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Leviticus 1-9
As we worshiped in church Sunday morning and the offering was being collected, I thought about these passages and about how all of the sacrifices commanded in the OT Law can be remembered in our giving of our tithes and offerings ....
As the burnt offerings were completely yielded and given to the Lord - we should come before Him and present ourselves and all that we have and all that we are - wholly back to Him.
As the grain offerings were given, at the beginning of harvest time and at the end, with oil and incense -we should think of the Lord's provision of our daily bread, our daily needs, the gift of His anointing Spirit, and the privilege of prayer at the throne of Grace.
As the sin offerings and guilt offerings were presented every day and at every offense - we should daily confess our sins and remember the cost of our atonement, the blood of Christ. He freely gave to us the Lamb of God, the only Begotten Son with amazing, lavish grace - so we should give our offerings out of love and humble, thankful hearts.
As the peace offerings, whether for thanksgiving or for fulfillment of a vow, were joyfully presented and celebrated - we should give to the Lord with cheerful, generous, and grateful hearts; celebrating His goodness and blessings to us.
When we place our offerings in the plate as it is passed, we often do so with little thought. Or it is an obligation or a demand to meet the budget....and this does not make us cheerful givers. nor is it an act of worship that way.
But, if we relate our giving to the sacrifices offered:
if we are giving ourselves wholly to Him, as He gave Himself wholly for us;
if we are thanking Him for His daily provisions;
if we are praising Him for the atonement He provided through the cross of Jesus Christ;
if we are celebrating His goodness to us, remembering Who He is and all that He has done ...
Then our giving becomes worship. It honors God our Creator and Sustainer. It acknowledges Him Who gives all things freely for us to enjoy. It is a celebration of our eternal salvation in Christ Jesus. It is a spiritual act of obedience and fellowship in the Spirit of God.
The Israelites could not go to the temple and worship passively, silently, or privately. It was public, noisy, and bloody. It was an active participation of obedient, faithful worship .
Worship is more than just the singing of a few songs, no matter how heartfelt that singing might be.
Worship is an active response to the Presence of Almighty God. Perhaps we could even say that the giving of our offerings is even more of an act of worship than the singing of hymns or choruses.
"Come, let us worship and bow down! Let us kneel before our God, our Maker. For He is our God and we are the sheep of His pasture." All we have has come from His hands. He has provided. Worship Him with hearts of thanksgiving and praise. Worship when you place your offering in the plate or box, or however you do it. Just do it! You will find that you can never out-give Him. He is our amazing God!
Father, we worship You. Thank You for the abundance of grace and mercy that You have showered on us. Fill us with the knowledge of Your will, with all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Bless Your holy Name! Teach us all of Your ways that we may walk in obedience and love.
In Jesus we come, Amen.
As we worshiped in church Sunday morning and the offering was being collected, I thought about these passages and about how all of the sacrifices commanded in the OT Law can be remembered in our giving of our tithes and offerings ....
As the burnt offerings were completely yielded and given to the Lord - we should come before Him and present ourselves and all that we have and all that we are - wholly back to Him.
As the grain offerings were given, at the beginning of harvest time and at the end, with oil and incense -we should think of the Lord's provision of our daily bread, our daily needs, the gift of His anointing Spirit, and the privilege of prayer at the throne of Grace.
As the sin offerings and guilt offerings were presented every day and at every offense - we should daily confess our sins and remember the cost of our atonement, the blood of Christ. He freely gave to us the Lamb of God, the only Begotten Son with amazing, lavish grace - so we should give our offerings out of love and humble, thankful hearts.
As the peace offerings, whether for thanksgiving or for fulfillment of a vow, were joyfully presented and celebrated - we should give to the Lord with cheerful, generous, and grateful hearts; celebrating His goodness and blessings to us.
When we place our offerings in the plate as it is passed, we often do so with little thought. Or it is an obligation or a demand to meet the budget....and this does not make us cheerful givers. nor is it an act of worship that way.
But, if we relate our giving to the sacrifices offered:
if we are giving ourselves wholly to Him, as He gave Himself wholly for us;
if we are thanking Him for His daily provisions;
if we are praising Him for the atonement He provided through the cross of Jesus Christ;
if we are celebrating His goodness to us, remembering Who He is and all that He has done ...
Then our giving becomes worship. It honors God our Creator and Sustainer. It acknowledges Him Who gives all things freely for us to enjoy. It is a celebration of our eternal salvation in Christ Jesus. It is a spiritual act of obedience and fellowship in the Spirit of God.
The Israelites could not go to the temple and worship passively, silently, or privately. It was public, noisy, and bloody. It was an active participation of obedient, faithful worship .
Worship is more than just the singing of a few songs, no matter how heartfelt that singing might be.
Worship is an active response to the Presence of Almighty God. Perhaps we could even say that the giving of our offerings is even more of an act of worship than the singing of hymns or choruses.
"Come, let us worship and bow down! Let us kneel before our God, our Maker. For He is our God and we are the sheep of His pasture." All we have has come from His hands. He has provided. Worship Him with hearts of thanksgiving and praise. Worship when you place your offering in the plate or box, or however you do it. Just do it! You will find that you can never out-give Him. He is our amazing God!
Father, we worship You. Thank You for the abundance of grace and mercy that You have showered on us. Fill us with the knowledge of Your will, with all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Bless Your holy Name! Teach us all of Your ways that we may walk in obedience and love.
In Jesus we come, Amen.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Leviticus 6 - 9 After giving the instructions for the offerings, Moses goes about the consecration of the priesthood. He offers the sacrifices and anoints Aaron and his sons for this ministry of the priesthood. Everything is consecrated - the tent, the furniture, the altar, the clothes, and the men.
Aaron and his sons are confined to the tabernacle for 7 days and then on the 8th day they offer the required sacrifices for the people. When everything is done just as the Lord commanded, He appears to the people. "Then fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offerings and the portions of fat on the altar; and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces."
Once again we are confronted with the awesome and awful Presence of God. We fail so often to realize the greatness of the God we serve. All that is His is sacred... holy, set apart. He requires His people to be obedient to His commands. He makes a way for His people to be forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness so that they can come into His Presence. So that WE can come into His awesome Presence.
There are lessons here that we need to take heed of, even if we do not live by the Law of Moses.
Disobedience to the Lord is sin.
Sin brings about death.
Sin can only be atoned for by a sacrifice of blood.
Jesus gave His life as the atonement sacrifice for us.
Through His sacrifice we can enter into the Presence of the Most Holy God.
When we are in His Presence we will fall on our faces.
Father, to know You in this way, in the fullness of Light and Truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord... we come. We bring ourselves, to offer our bodies as living and holy sacrifices... to worship You.
How awesome in Glory and Splendor is Your Majesty. Open our eyes to see and our ears to hear.
Slow us down and silence our minds and hearts that are wrapped up in the world's ways, and bring us apart to draw near to You. Draw us nearer. Let us have transformed minds that think rightly about You. That You are Incomprehensible and transcendent, Eternal and infinite, Omniscient and omnipresent and omnipotent. You are holy and good and merciful and loving. When You appeared to Israel it was in a fiery glory. We long for the day when we will see You. Prepare us for that day O Lord. May we be ready, alert, taking heed, for the day is drawing near. O may men and women and children even now come to Jesus and be made ready for that Day. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
Aaron and his sons are confined to the tabernacle for 7 days and then on the 8th day they offer the required sacrifices for the people. When everything is done just as the Lord commanded, He appears to the people. "Then fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offerings and the portions of fat on the altar; and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces."
Once again we are confronted with the awesome and awful Presence of God. We fail so often to realize the greatness of the God we serve. All that is His is sacred... holy, set apart. He requires His people to be obedient to His commands. He makes a way for His people to be forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness so that they can come into His Presence. So that WE can come into His awesome Presence.
There are lessons here that we need to take heed of, even if we do not live by the Law of Moses.
Disobedience to the Lord is sin.
Sin brings about death.
Sin can only be atoned for by a sacrifice of blood.
Jesus gave His life as the atonement sacrifice for us.
Through His sacrifice we can enter into the Presence of the Most Holy God.
When we are in His Presence we will fall on our faces.
Father, to know You in this way, in the fullness of Light and Truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord... we come. We bring ourselves, to offer our bodies as living and holy sacrifices... to worship You.
How awesome in Glory and Splendor is Your Majesty. Open our eyes to see and our ears to hear.
Slow us down and silence our minds and hearts that are wrapped up in the world's ways, and bring us apart to draw near to You. Draw us nearer. Let us have transformed minds that think rightly about You. That You are Incomprehensible and transcendent, Eternal and infinite, Omniscient and omnipresent and omnipotent. You are holy and good and merciful and loving. When You appeared to Israel it was in a fiery glory. We long for the day when we will see You. Prepare us for that day O Lord. May we be ready, alert, taking heed, for the day is drawing near. O may men and women and children even now come to Jesus and be made ready for that Day. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Leviticus 5-6 Guilt offerings were required for a variety of reasons:
5:1 -When someone did not testify to something he had knowledge of.
5:2 - When someone touched something unclean, such as a dead animal.
5:3 When someone has touched someone unclean and doesn't know it, but then is made aware.
5:4 - When someone speaks thoughtlessly, swearing an oath to do evil or good.
5:15 -When someone unintentionally touches or uses something that is the "Lord's holy things"
5:17 - When someone sins by breaking a command, even if he isn't aware of it.
6:2 - When someone sins by deceiving another, robbing another, or extorting another.
6:3 - When someone lies about finding what belongs to another
The guilt offering for the first four of these offenses are according to what the person can afford - a lamb or goat; 2 turtledoves or pigeons; or flour. In any case, the sacrifice is offered for atonement and the person is forgiven.
When someone violates the holy things of God the sacrifice is to be a ram, which is evaluated according to the silver shekel plus a fifth part of it is added.
In the last 2 situations restitution must also be made.
In all these we learn that:
Whether sin is unintentional or we aren't even aware that we have sinned, we are still guilty.
Guilt requires atonement.
Atonement requires a sacrifice.
When the sacrifice for atonement is made -sin is forgiven!
Oh Praise You Father for making a way for us to be forgiven! We have all sinned and fallen short of Your glory. We are all guilty. Whether we are aware of what we have done or not... we are "certainly guilty before the Lord" ( 5:19). Yet, the atonement offering has been made for us. You have blessed us with every spiritual blessing - in Jesus Christ our Lord. "In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us..."(Eph. 1:7) We bless Your Name. We praise You every day! Thank You for Your grace and mercy upon us. Thank You for having such a great love for us. Thank You for forgiving our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. Amen!
5:1 -When someone did not testify to something he had knowledge of.
5:2 - When someone touched something unclean, such as a dead animal.
5:3 When someone has touched someone unclean and doesn't know it, but then is made aware.
5:4 - When someone speaks thoughtlessly, swearing an oath to do evil or good.
5:15 -When someone unintentionally touches or uses something that is the "Lord's holy things"
5:17 - When someone sins by breaking a command, even if he isn't aware of it.
6:2 - When someone sins by deceiving another, robbing another, or extorting another.
6:3 - When someone lies about finding what belongs to another
The guilt offering for the first four of these offenses are according to what the person can afford - a lamb or goat; 2 turtledoves or pigeons; or flour. In any case, the sacrifice is offered for atonement and the person is forgiven.
When someone violates the holy things of God the sacrifice is to be a ram, which is evaluated according to the silver shekel plus a fifth part of it is added.
In the last 2 situations restitution must also be made.
In all these we learn that:
Whether sin is unintentional or we aren't even aware that we have sinned, we are still guilty.
Guilt requires atonement.
Atonement requires a sacrifice.
When the sacrifice for atonement is made -sin is forgiven!
Oh Praise You Father for making a way for us to be forgiven! We have all sinned and fallen short of Your glory. We are all guilty. Whether we are aware of what we have done or not... we are "certainly guilty before the Lord" ( 5:19). Yet, the atonement offering has been made for us. You have blessed us with every spiritual blessing - in Jesus Christ our Lord. "In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us..."(Eph. 1:7) We bless Your Name. We praise You every day! Thank You for Your grace and mercy upon us. Thank You for having such a great love for us. Thank You for forgiving our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. Amen!
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Leviticus 4 presents the Law of sin offerings. This gives directions regarding unintentional sins that become known and bring guilt upon an individual, a priest, a leader, or the entire congregation. The Lord makes it clear here that when anyone does something that God has commanded them NOT to do - that is sin.
The sin offering is similar to the other sacrifices, but it does have some differences.
- A bull must be offered if it the priest or the congregation that has sinned.
- A male goat must be offered if it a leader that sins.
- A female goat or lamb is offered for the "common people"
In the case of the priest or the congregation the bull is brought to the doorway and is slain there after the priest puts his hand on the animal; or in the case of the whole congregation's sinning, the elders all place their hands on the bull's head.
What is different is that the priest puts his fingers in the blood and 7 times he sprinkles it before the veil and he puts some on the table of incense and on the altar's horns; then he pours out all of the blood at the base of the altar; he offers up specific pieces of the animal and then the rest of the sacrifice is taken outside of the camp and burned up.
"So the priest shall make atonement for them, and they shall be forgiven." ( v20, 26, 31, 35)
The writer of Hebrews says, " For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never by the same sacrifices year by year which they offer continually, make perfect those who draw near. "(10:1) And, " We have an altar, from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp, Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood suffered outside the gate. "
The Law gave a glimpse of God's atonement plan for mankind. It was a shadow, a foresight, into the True sacrifice that would come when Jesus Christ died on the cross. Every offering commanded by the Law - was a glimpse into the fulfillment of atonement and forgiveness and sanctification that comes only through Jesus Christ. " For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God." (Hebrews 9:13-14). Once and for all His perfect sacrifice is sufficient to sanctify us "once for all".
Praise and honor and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father and to the Lamb Who was slain!
Jesus paid it all, all to Him we owe. Sin has left a crimson stain. Jesus washed it white as snow!
Hallelujah! Amen
The sin offering is similar to the other sacrifices, but it does have some differences.
- A bull must be offered if it the priest or the congregation that has sinned.
- A male goat must be offered if it a leader that sins.
- A female goat or lamb is offered for the "common people"
In the case of the priest or the congregation the bull is brought to the doorway and is slain there after the priest puts his hand on the animal; or in the case of the whole congregation's sinning, the elders all place their hands on the bull's head.
What is different is that the priest puts his fingers in the blood and 7 times he sprinkles it before the veil and he puts some on the table of incense and on the altar's horns; then he pours out all of the blood at the base of the altar; he offers up specific pieces of the animal and then the rest of the sacrifice is taken outside of the camp and burned up.
"So the priest shall make atonement for them, and they shall be forgiven." ( v20, 26, 31, 35)
The writer of Hebrews says, " For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never by the same sacrifices year by year which they offer continually, make perfect those who draw near. "(10:1) And, " We have an altar, from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp, Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood suffered outside the gate. "
The Law gave a glimpse of God's atonement plan for mankind. It was a shadow, a foresight, into the True sacrifice that would come when Jesus Christ died on the cross. Every offering commanded by the Law - was a glimpse into the fulfillment of atonement and forgiveness and sanctification that comes only through Jesus Christ. " For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God." (Hebrews 9:13-14). Once and for all His perfect sacrifice is sufficient to sanctify us "once for all".
Praise and honor and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father and to the Lamb Who was slain!
Jesus paid it all, all to Him we owe. Sin has left a crimson stain. Jesus washed it white as snow!
Hallelujah! Amen
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Leviticus 3 Peace offerings ( or fellowship offerings) could be given for three reasons - thanksgiving ( a confession or acknowledgement of God's deliverance or blessings) ; Votive offering - making or fulfillment of a vow; or a freewill offering - spontaneous gift( an expression of devotion or thankfulness for some unexpected blessing). This could be a bull, cow, lamb, or goat. It had to be without defect. It was to be presented at the doorway of the tabernacle. The worshipper would lay his hand on the head of the animal and then kill it himself. The priests would sprinkle the blood on the altar and offer up certain parts - mostly the organs and fat - by burning them on the altar. The priests would receive the breast and right thigh of the animal and the rest would go to the individual, for a celebration meal. According to Leviticus 7 that meat would have to be eaten on that day if it was a thanks offering, but could be eaten the next day if it was a votive or freewill offering.
There were a couple of principles that are emphasized here:
The fat and the blood of the animals was never to be eaten by the Israelites.
The sacrifices were to be made at the door of the tabernacle and offered to the Lord only.
A portion of the meat belonged to the priests.
Leviticus 17 emphasizes why the blood was not to be eaten - " For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement." (v11) And, " For as for the life of all flesh, its blood is identified with its life." (v14). Blood= life. It is for atonement. It is precious and valuable. It is poured out on the altar. ".. .whoever eats it shall be cut off." The penalty for violating this law was death. The Bible Knowledge Commentary makes this note -"God has chosen sacrificial blood as the ransom price for a person's life, so the life of a substitute is given up in death; therefore to refrain from eating blood is to show respect for its sacredness as a vehicle of atonement." God gave it for this reason. " He had chosen it as a fitting symbol of the reality of atonement and forgiveness."
Chapter 17 also explains why the sacrifice had to be made at the tabernacle. Apparently some of the people were offering sacrifices out in the fields. "And they shall no longer sacrifice their sacrifices to the goat demons with which they play the harlot..." (v7). They were not offering anything to the Lord. They were idolaters. They were to be cut off from the people.
BKC " The distinctiveness of the fellowship offering was in the communal meal which the worshiper and his family ate before the Lord. It was essentially a voluntary act in which the worshiper accepted the meat from God as a token of His covenant faithfulness and gave God acknowledgement or thankful praise for His past blessings bestowed, whether in answer to prayer, or granted unexpectedly, or the normal blessings such as a good harvest."
So, what does that mean to us? Once again we turn our eyes to Jesus, our Atonement offering. Not only did He purchase our salvation by His shed blood, but He made peace for us with the Father. We are so blessed! How can we not offer praise and thanksgiving continually to Him!!!
What if we had to take all of our meat to the church to be presented, butchered, and a portion burnt on an altar? Would we then look at the steak on our plate and realize that this is God's gift and provision for us? Would we be a lot more thankful?
Also, think about how Christians give tithes and offerings... I've heard statistics that indicate that the average Christian in America gives a lot less than even 10%.. let alone a freewill or thanksgiving offering that goes beyond the "required" giving. God loves a cheerful giver, we are told. How many of us give to the Lord cheerfully? Or liberally?
Father in Heaven, You are the giver of all things. You have given generously and liberally to us. We are so thankful. We acknowledge You as our Provider, our Sustainer, and our loving Father. You have blessed us with forgiveness from our sins by the Atonement offering of Jesus Christ the Lord. You have given us food to eat and homes to give us shelter. You have given us families to love and cherish. You have given us the fellowship of Christian brothers and sisters. You have shown us mercy and grace. You are infinite in Your goodness to us. All we have is Yours Lord. May we be faithful to give it all back to You in thanksgiving and love. Through Christ our Lord we come to You, Amen.
There were a couple of principles that are emphasized here:
The fat and the blood of the animals was never to be eaten by the Israelites.
The sacrifices were to be made at the door of the tabernacle and offered to the Lord only.
A portion of the meat belonged to the priests.
Leviticus 17 emphasizes why the blood was not to be eaten - " For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement." (v11) And, " For as for the life of all flesh, its blood is identified with its life." (v14). Blood= life. It is for atonement. It is precious and valuable. It is poured out on the altar. ".. .whoever eats it shall be cut off." The penalty for violating this law was death. The Bible Knowledge Commentary makes this note -"God has chosen sacrificial blood as the ransom price for a person's life, so the life of a substitute is given up in death; therefore to refrain from eating blood is to show respect for its sacredness as a vehicle of atonement." God gave it for this reason. " He had chosen it as a fitting symbol of the reality of atonement and forgiveness."
Chapter 17 also explains why the sacrifice had to be made at the tabernacle. Apparently some of the people were offering sacrifices out in the fields. "And they shall no longer sacrifice their sacrifices to the goat demons with which they play the harlot..." (v7). They were not offering anything to the Lord. They were idolaters. They were to be cut off from the people.
BKC " The distinctiveness of the fellowship offering was in the communal meal which the worshiper and his family ate before the Lord. It was essentially a voluntary act in which the worshiper accepted the meat from God as a token of His covenant faithfulness and gave God acknowledgement or thankful praise for His past blessings bestowed, whether in answer to prayer, or granted unexpectedly, or the normal blessings such as a good harvest."
So, what does that mean to us? Once again we turn our eyes to Jesus, our Atonement offering. Not only did He purchase our salvation by His shed blood, but He made peace for us with the Father. We are so blessed! How can we not offer praise and thanksgiving continually to Him!!!
What if we had to take all of our meat to the church to be presented, butchered, and a portion burnt on an altar? Would we then look at the steak on our plate and realize that this is God's gift and provision for us? Would we be a lot more thankful?
Also, think about how Christians give tithes and offerings... I've heard statistics that indicate that the average Christian in America gives a lot less than even 10%.. let alone a freewill or thanksgiving offering that goes beyond the "required" giving. God loves a cheerful giver, we are told. How many of us give to the Lord cheerfully? Or liberally?
Father in Heaven, You are the giver of all things. You have given generously and liberally to us. We are so thankful. We acknowledge You as our Provider, our Sustainer, and our loving Father. You have blessed us with forgiveness from our sins by the Atonement offering of Jesus Christ the Lord. You have given us food to eat and homes to give us shelter. You have given us families to love and cherish. You have given us the fellowship of Christian brothers and sisters. You have shown us mercy and grace. You are infinite in Your goodness to us. All we have is Yours Lord. May we be faithful to give it all back to You in thanksgiving and love. Through Christ our Lord we come to You, Amen.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Leviticus 2 Grain offerings were given at various times and in various ways. It could be presented as:
fine flour
baked in an oven
made on a griddle
made in a pan.
It might be an offering of the first fruits of the seasons harvest. Or it might be part of an offering of thanksgiving. No matter how it was presented or why it was presented, the grain was to be accompanied or mixed with oil. Sometimes frankincense was also added to the offering . Also, a portion of the offering was placed on the altar and the rest went to the priests. This was a provision for them to eat. Leaven was not allowed to be mixed with the grain when it was offered on the altar. It was to be only fine flour mixed with oil. Nothing added, but salt. Verse 13 gives us some insights - " Every grain offering of yours, moreover, you shall season with salt, so that the salt of the covenant of your God shall not be lacking from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt." It was considered a " most holy" thing.
The salt of the covenant or covenant of salt is mentioned again in Numbers 18:19 " All the offerings of the holy gifts, which the sons of Israel offer to the Lord, I have given to you and your sons and daughters with you, as a perpetual allotment. It is an everlasting covenant of salt before the Lord to you and your descendants with you." This was spoken to Aaron and his sons. A gift, a daily provision and a holy responsibility.
Salt was considered vital and of great value in those days. A preservative, regarded as something lasting, was a symbol of Israel's everlasting covenant relationship with God, according to the Bible Knowledge Commentary. The covenant was the foundation of the sacrificial system.
The BKC also says this about the grain offerings - "Since the grain offering involved the Israelite's normal food and cooking methods , it may have symbolized the dedication of everyday life to God and perhaps the recognition of God's provision of daily needs."
"Give us this day our daily bread." Jesus instructs us to pray. He also tells us, when taking the bread, " Take, eat; this is My body." The grain offering is broken into bits, into crumbs, and oil is poured on it. It is presented to the priest who puts a memorial portion on the altar where it is burned up in smoke, "an offering of fire of a soothing aroma to the Lord." Jesus offered up His body, broken and poured out for us.
God is the giver of the Bread of Life. We who partake of this most holy gift are brought into an everlasting covenant with our God. We who pray for and receive our daily Bread are blessed and thankful and overwhelmed with this precious gift. And out of our joyful and grateful hearts, we bring our sacrifice of thanksgiving - from our first fruits, from our everyday provisions that God has freely given - we bring our tithes and offerings to lay at His feet. We bring it to the Church, which is the Body of Christ. And out of that God provides for those who have the responsibility of leading and teaching the Word.
Father, as we meditate on these Words, help us to grasp the greater truths and the deeper meanings. The covenant that we have with You; the provisions that You have supplied; the wonder of the broken body of Christ. Give us today our daily Bread. The food for our bodies, yes, but more than that the food for our souls. The life of Christ in us. The life that we have as the body of Christ, His church.
Fill us Holy Spirit, cover us with the oil of gladness. Overwhelm us with everlasting life in Jesus our Lord. To the glory of God. Amen
fine flour
baked in an oven
made on a griddle
made in a pan.
It might be an offering of the first fruits of the seasons harvest. Or it might be part of an offering of thanksgiving. No matter how it was presented or why it was presented, the grain was to be accompanied or mixed with oil. Sometimes frankincense was also added to the offering . Also, a portion of the offering was placed on the altar and the rest went to the priests. This was a provision for them to eat. Leaven was not allowed to be mixed with the grain when it was offered on the altar. It was to be only fine flour mixed with oil. Nothing added, but salt. Verse 13 gives us some insights - " Every grain offering of yours, moreover, you shall season with salt, so that the salt of the covenant of your God shall not be lacking from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt." It was considered a " most holy" thing.
The salt of the covenant or covenant of salt is mentioned again in Numbers 18:19 " All the offerings of the holy gifts, which the sons of Israel offer to the Lord, I have given to you and your sons and daughters with you, as a perpetual allotment. It is an everlasting covenant of salt before the Lord to you and your descendants with you." This was spoken to Aaron and his sons. A gift, a daily provision and a holy responsibility.
Salt was considered vital and of great value in those days. A preservative, regarded as something lasting, was a symbol of Israel's everlasting covenant relationship with God, according to the Bible Knowledge Commentary. The covenant was the foundation of the sacrificial system.
The BKC also says this about the grain offerings - "Since the grain offering involved the Israelite's normal food and cooking methods , it may have symbolized the dedication of everyday life to God and perhaps the recognition of God's provision of daily needs."
"Give us this day our daily bread." Jesus instructs us to pray. He also tells us, when taking the bread, " Take, eat; this is My body." The grain offering is broken into bits, into crumbs, and oil is poured on it. It is presented to the priest who puts a memorial portion on the altar where it is burned up in smoke, "an offering of fire of a soothing aroma to the Lord." Jesus offered up His body, broken and poured out for us.
God is the giver of the Bread of Life. We who partake of this most holy gift are brought into an everlasting covenant with our God. We who pray for and receive our daily Bread are blessed and thankful and overwhelmed with this precious gift. And out of our joyful and grateful hearts, we bring our sacrifice of thanksgiving - from our first fruits, from our everyday provisions that God has freely given - we bring our tithes and offerings to lay at His feet. We bring it to the Church, which is the Body of Christ. And out of that God provides for those who have the responsibility of leading and teaching the Word.
Father, as we meditate on these Words, help us to grasp the greater truths and the deeper meanings. The covenant that we have with You; the provisions that You have supplied; the wonder of the broken body of Christ. Give us today our daily Bread. The food for our bodies, yes, but more than that the food for our souls. The life of Christ in us. The life that we have as the body of Christ, His church.
Fill us Holy Spirit, cover us with the oil of gladness. Overwhelm us with everlasting life in Jesus our Lord. To the glory of God. Amen
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Leviticus 1 - I know.... people like to avoid this book, with all its rules and detailed descriptions... but, I have learned that God speaks clearly even in this... especially in this. For here we see a glimpse of His holiness and the depth of our depravity. Here we learn what atonement really means. Here we can begin to see God's heart for His people.
The Levites, the descendants of Levi, were given the task and the honor of serving in the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons were chosen to be the priests. They were responsible for teaching the Law, keeping the Sanctuary and handling the sacrifices. This book lays out God's directions and standards for them to follow.
Chapter 1 begins by explaining burnt offerings. Burnt offerings were sacrifices that were completely given to the fire on the altar. Nothing was set aside for the priests or levites. It was fully surrendered to God. Verse 3 tells us that the offering is offered so that "he may be accepted before the Lord." And verse 4 tells us "And he shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering that it may be accepted for him to make atonement on his behalf." The man connects/ identifies with the animal by placing his hand on it, whether it is an ox or cow, sheep or goat, or a bird ( for those who were too poor to have the other).. the sacrifice becomes the substitute. It "covers" him. The blood of the sacrifice cleanses and pacifies . It provides forgiveness and reconciliation. The animal must be acceptable - unblemished, without defect, and offered as a "soothing aroma to the Lord."
Why is this important to us, modern day, American Christians? We know that God gave His Son to be our atonement sacrifice. We no longer need to bring burnt offerings over and over.. for Christ died once and that is enough! But sometimes we don't think about what that really means, or we forget all that Christ's atonement did for us....
Let's think about this:
Without the atonement/ burnt offering the man, any man or woman, was not "accepted before the Lord." We need to be reminded that we are separated from the Lord because of our sins; because we are not holy. This includes every single one of us. We cannot come to Him in any other way - not good works; not great intelligence; not moral integrity; not in anything that we do ourselves. It is only through the complete sacrifice of the atonement offering that we can be forgiven, cleansed, accepted. Jesus paid it all! Praise and thank Him today!!!
We must connect with the atonement offering. Personally, intimately, and wholly. Jesus laid down His life for us. And when we come to faith in Him, trusting in His atonement offering, we identify with Him. So we can say with Paul, " I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me...." We are also called follow Him by laying down our lives, picking up our cross, and following Him. This is so much more than praying one prayer or signing a statement of faith. He gave His whole life for us and we give our whole lives to Him.
The atonement offering is accessible by anyone. The burnt offerings were presented to the Lord according to what the man had. God's atonement offering, our Lord Jesus Christ, was given so that anyone could call on His Name and be saved. God is completely just and righteous. He does not worry about what we can or cannot give, or about what we can or cannot do. But, He does require us to give all of ourselves to Him. Even though I may not be much - He wants all of me. And all of you - all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your strength . We are called to present our bodies, " a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God," as our spiritual service of worship.
Oh Father in heaven, You are Holy! You are Gracious! You are so good to us. To give us Your Holy Word that we might know You more. Teach us and lead us. We are so thankful for the atonement offering, Jesus Christ, our eternal Savior. How wonderful and perfect are Your ways. Draw us nearer, nearer, precious Lord. We give ourselves to You. In Christ, Amen.
The Levites, the descendants of Levi, were given the task and the honor of serving in the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons were chosen to be the priests. They were responsible for teaching the Law, keeping the Sanctuary and handling the sacrifices. This book lays out God's directions and standards for them to follow.
Chapter 1 begins by explaining burnt offerings. Burnt offerings were sacrifices that were completely given to the fire on the altar. Nothing was set aside for the priests or levites. It was fully surrendered to God. Verse 3 tells us that the offering is offered so that "he may be accepted before the Lord." And verse 4 tells us "And he shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering that it may be accepted for him to make atonement on his behalf." The man connects/ identifies with the animal by placing his hand on it, whether it is an ox or cow, sheep or goat, or a bird ( for those who were too poor to have the other).. the sacrifice becomes the substitute. It "covers" him. The blood of the sacrifice cleanses and pacifies . It provides forgiveness and reconciliation. The animal must be acceptable - unblemished, without defect, and offered as a "soothing aroma to the Lord."
Why is this important to us, modern day, American Christians? We know that God gave His Son to be our atonement sacrifice. We no longer need to bring burnt offerings over and over.. for Christ died once and that is enough! But sometimes we don't think about what that really means, or we forget all that Christ's atonement did for us....
Let's think about this:
Without the atonement/ burnt offering the man, any man or woman, was not "accepted before the Lord." We need to be reminded that we are separated from the Lord because of our sins; because we are not holy. This includes every single one of us. We cannot come to Him in any other way - not good works; not great intelligence; not moral integrity; not in anything that we do ourselves. It is only through the complete sacrifice of the atonement offering that we can be forgiven, cleansed, accepted. Jesus paid it all! Praise and thank Him today!!!
We must connect with the atonement offering. Personally, intimately, and wholly. Jesus laid down His life for us. And when we come to faith in Him, trusting in His atonement offering, we identify with Him. So we can say with Paul, " I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me...." We are also called follow Him by laying down our lives, picking up our cross, and following Him. This is so much more than praying one prayer or signing a statement of faith. He gave His whole life for us and we give our whole lives to Him.
The atonement offering is accessible by anyone. The burnt offerings were presented to the Lord according to what the man had. God's atonement offering, our Lord Jesus Christ, was given so that anyone could call on His Name and be saved. God is completely just and righteous. He does not worry about what we can or cannot give, or about what we can or cannot do. But, He does require us to give all of ourselves to Him. Even though I may not be much - He wants all of me. And all of you - all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your strength . We are called to present our bodies, " a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God," as our spiritual service of worship.
Oh Father in heaven, You are Holy! You are Gracious! You are so good to us. To give us Your Holy Word that we might know You more. Teach us and lead us. We are so thankful for the atonement offering, Jesus Christ, our eternal Savior. How wonderful and perfect are Your ways. Draw us nearer, nearer, precious Lord. We give ourselves to You. In Christ, Amen.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Mark 15-16 The chief priests, elders, scribes and council of the Jews consult together and all agree - to deliver Jesus to Pilate, to demand that He be crucified.
They delivered Him.
They accused Him.
They demanded His crucifixion.
The Roman soldiers took Him away.
They mocked Him.
They beat Him.
They spit on Him.
They crucified Him.
They took even His clothes from Him.
Yet Jesus did not defend Himself. He submitted to this torture and death, willingly, with great love in His heart for them and for us. He would not come down from the cross, even though He could have; for the atonement would only be completed with the death of the Lamb of God.
His body.
His blood.
This was God's plan. His perfect plan. In infinite wisdom, God shows His infinite goodness and grace.... He takes our sins, our transgressions, our guilt... and pays the debt in full.
Darkness falls while Jesus hangs on the cross.
He gives up His life.
He is buried in a garden tomb.
But on the third day... when the women go to the tomb - it is empty!
He is risen!!
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene.
He appears to the 2 on the road.
He appears to the disciples. They did not believe the reports of the others and Jesus rebukes their unbelief. Hardness of heart and unbelief... kept them from the joy of the resurrection!
How often do we miss out on joy because of hard hearts and unbelief?
Oh how we need to trust Him. To know that what He has said, He will do.
Father help us in our unbelief and hardness of heart. Lead us into the joy of believing and trusting You, fully and completely. In large things and in small things. Thank You for being so patient and kind to us. Thank You that You are good. As Tozer wrote, " To the frightened He is friendly, to the poor in spirit He is forgiving, to the ignorant,considerate; to the weak, gentle; to the stranger , hospitable." This is Who You are. We come humbly before You, to receive Your gentle grace and forgiveness. We love You Lord God. We desire to follow Jesus. Help us, we pray. Amen.
They delivered Him.
They accused Him.
They demanded His crucifixion.
The Roman soldiers took Him away.
They mocked Him.
They beat Him.
They spit on Him.
They crucified Him.
They took even His clothes from Him.
Yet Jesus did not defend Himself. He submitted to this torture and death, willingly, with great love in His heart for them and for us. He would not come down from the cross, even though He could have; for the atonement would only be completed with the death of the Lamb of God.
His body.
His blood.
This was God's plan. His perfect plan. In infinite wisdom, God shows His infinite goodness and grace.... He takes our sins, our transgressions, our guilt... and pays the debt in full.
Darkness falls while Jesus hangs on the cross.
He gives up His life.
He is buried in a garden tomb.
But on the third day... when the women go to the tomb - it is empty!
He is risen!!
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene.
He appears to the 2 on the road.
He appears to the disciples. They did not believe the reports of the others and Jesus rebukes their unbelief. Hardness of heart and unbelief... kept them from the joy of the resurrection!
How often do we miss out on joy because of hard hearts and unbelief?
Oh how we need to trust Him. To know that what He has said, He will do.
Father help us in our unbelief and hardness of heart. Lead us into the joy of believing and trusting You, fully and completely. In large things and in small things. Thank You for being so patient and kind to us. Thank You that You are good. As Tozer wrote, " To the frightened He is friendly, to the poor in spirit He is forgiving, to the ignorant,considerate; to the weak, gentle; to the stranger , hospitable." This is Who You are. We come humbly before You, to receive Your gentle grace and forgiveness. We love You Lord God. We desire to follow Jesus. Help us, we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Mark 14:22-42 Gethsemane. The place where Jesus went to pray. The place where Judas came to betray Him. Jesus submitted to His Father's will. Judas submitted to Satan's ploy.
The disciples slept while Jesus prayed.
They ran when He was seized.
All this was done exactly as it was ordained. The Father's will was perfectly completed.
Because of His goodness, our heavenly Father sent His Son.
Because of His love, the Son laid down His life.
Because of His grace, we who have weak flesh, are given the Spirit of love and power, and sound minds.
Judas, the betrayer, kissed Jesus. He had once been a friend and follower of the Messiah.
Now, he was the pawn of Satan, willingly leading the enemy to the Lord.
Verses 53-65
The Council convened and witnesses were brought in to testify against Jesus. The problem was that none to them agreed. As they bore false witness, Jesus remained silent.
The high priest became exasperated with this and stood up, came forward, and questioned Jesus, himself. "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"
And to this direct question, Jesus replied, " I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of Heaven. " A reference to Psalm 110, a Messianic psalm written by David. ( In Mark 12:35-37 - Jesus had referred to this passage before)
But, the Council did not accept the truth, instead calling Jesus a blasphemer and condemning Him, beating Him, and rejecting their Messiah.
verses 66-72 Peter sits in the courtyard of the High Priest, warming himself by the fire. 3 times he is accused of being with Jesus and 3 times he denies that he even knows Him. Only when he hears the cock crow does he remember that Jesus had told him that this would happen. When he remembers, he begins to weep. Immediate sorrow and repentance.
The greatest story ever told. That Jesus would lay down His life for mankind. That the Perfect Lamb would be beaten and spit upon, mocked and mistreated, condemned and crucified.. for us.
Father, may we not fail to confess that Jesus is the Lord, the Christ, Who sits at Your Right Hand in power. May we not betray Him, accuse Him, reject Him, or deny Him. Ever. Oh, yes we are weak. But You are strong. Fill us again by Your Spirit and lead us deeper into the love of our Savior. We ask for Your good and acceptable and perfect will to be done. Through Him Who laid down His life for us. Amen.
The disciples slept while Jesus prayed.
They ran when He was seized.
All this was done exactly as it was ordained. The Father's will was perfectly completed.
Because of His goodness, our heavenly Father sent His Son.
Because of His love, the Son laid down His life.
Because of His grace, we who have weak flesh, are given the Spirit of love and power, and sound minds.
Judas, the betrayer, kissed Jesus. He had once been a friend and follower of the Messiah.
Now, he was the pawn of Satan, willingly leading the enemy to the Lord.
Verses 53-65
The Council convened and witnesses were brought in to testify against Jesus. The problem was that none to them agreed. As they bore false witness, Jesus remained silent.
The high priest became exasperated with this and stood up, came forward, and questioned Jesus, himself. "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"
And to this direct question, Jesus replied, " I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of Heaven. " A reference to Psalm 110, a Messianic psalm written by David. ( In Mark 12:35-37 - Jesus had referred to this passage before)
But, the Council did not accept the truth, instead calling Jesus a blasphemer and condemning Him, beating Him, and rejecting their Messiah.
verses 66-72 Peter sits in the courtyard of the High Priest, warming himself by the fire. 3 times he is accused of being with Jesus and 3 times he denies that he even knows Him. Only when he hears the cock crow does he remember that Jesus had told him that this would happen. When he remembers, he begins to weep. Immediate sorrow and repentance.
The greatest story ever told. That Jesus would lay down His life for mankind. That the Perfect Lamb would be beaten and spit upon, mocked and mistreated, condemned and crucified.. for us.
Father, may we not fail to confess that Jesus is the Lord, the Christ, Who sits at Your Right Hand in power. May we not betray Him, accuse Him, reject Him, or deny Him. Ever. Oh, yes we are weak. But You are strong. Fill us again by Your Spirit and lead us deeper into the love of our Savior. We ask for Your good and acceptable and perfect will to be done. Through Him Who laid down His life for us. Amen.
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