Numbers 26 records the second census that the Lord commanded Moses to complete. What is interesting.. to me at least.. is that some of the tribes increased while others were smaller. Yet the total of men over the age of 20 is fairly close. The first census had 603,550 and the second was 601,730. " But there was not a man among them who had also been included in the census..when they had enumerated the people of Israel in the Sinai Desert." Except.. Caleb and Joshua.
God did what He said He would do.
In Chapter 27 the Lord instructs Moses to prepare to "be gathered to your people". Moses asks one more thing.. "May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation..... that the congregation of the Lord may not be like sheep that have no shepherd."
Joshua is chosen and commissioned to lead Israel. " Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your had on him;"
Another reminder that God has a plan.
Two significant truths that we can stand firm on and be encouraged by today:
God does what He says He will do.. and God always has a plan for what is next!
Father in heaven, You are seated on Your throne, surrounded by saints and angels who are singing in exaltation. Your radiance and beauty fill the air! Lightning and thunder and majestic glory bring them all to their faces in worship! May we receive a glimpse of Your glory, Father! Uphold the holiness of Your wonderful name! We are so thankful for Your Word. We can stand firmly in Your strength, resisting evil in Your Truth, righteousness, peace, and salvation. We take up the shield of faith and the sword of Your Spirit and we pray... we pray for boldness to make the gospel known. We pray for wisdom to proclaim truth in the way we ought to speak. We pray that we might be encouraged. We pray that we might be knit together in love. "Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant [us] to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus; that with one accord [we] may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." It is in the name of Jesus that we ask these things. Amen.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Monday, March 30, 2020
Numbers 20-25
These chapters give us a series of significant events:
Miriam and Aaron die.
Moses hits the rock instead of obeying God's command to speak to it... which results in him never entering the promised land.
The people started complaining again, this time resulting in a judgement of poisonous snakes and many deaths.
Adonai told Moses to make the bronze snake which was lifted up, so that those bitten by the snakes could look up to it and be healed.
Israel conquered and took over the cities of the Amorites and began living there.
And then Moab's king Balak starts to get worried. He calls for Balaam to come and curse Israel.
Three times Balak offers sacrifices and orders Balaam to curse Israel. Three times Balaam speaks blessings over Israel as the Lord intervenes. No amount of money could change the words that God put in Balaam's mouth. God even gives Balaam a prophecy.. " I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter shall rise from Israel.. "
Sadly, Balaam also seems to have given Balak some ungodly counsel that leads to the Moabite women seducing the Israelite men, leading them into adultery and idolatry. The anger of the Lord pours out in another plague that kills 24,000 people. It is only stopped there because Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, takes a spear and kills a man, Zimri, from the tribe of Simeon, and Cozbi, a woman who was the daughter of a leader of Midian. God blesses Phinehas with a "covenant of peace".. because, " he was jealous for his God, and made atonement for the sons of Israel." ( 25:12-13)
Jesus said, " And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; " ( John 3:13) Then in John 12 He said, " And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." ( John 12:32) But, look at the verse that precedes verse 32, " Now judgement is upon this world; now the ruler of this world shall be cast out."
There is judgement.
And there is Jesus.
These excerpts are from Spurgeon's sermon based on John 12:32 :
" God's ministers must preach God's terrors as well as God's mercies... "
"Did the loving Savior talk of the pit that burns, of the worm that never dies, and of the fire that can never be extinguished? It is ours to speak as he spoke and not to mince words. It is no mercy to men to hide their doom. But, my brothers, terrors ought never be the prominent feature... "
"...but far more often let us preach the wondrous love of God."
" We must preach Christ and him crucified. Nothing but the gospel is the power of God for salvation. 'I, when I am lifted up form the earth, will draw all people to myself'. Then Christ Jesus will draw al his people to Heaven. He is in Heaven; then Christ is the chariot in which souls are drawn to Heaven. The people of the Lord are on their way to Heaven - they are carried in everlasting arms, and this arms are the arms of Christ."
" O blessed be God, the cross is the plank we hold to as we swim to Heaven."
" And now, poor sinner, I desire before God that Christ would pardon you. Remember his death on Calvary; remember his agonies and bloody sweat. All this he did for you, if you feel yourself to be a sinner. Does not this draw you to him?"
"You have rebelled agains him and revolted, but he says, 'Return backsliding children'. Will not his love draw you? I pray that you may be drawn to Christ now and at last be drawn to Heaven."
Father in heaven, this is our prayer.. that all people will be drawn to Jesus, who was lifted up on a cross.. who alone can give life.. the only One who can save us and bring us to You. Yet, we cannot even come to Jesus unless You, by grace draw us to Him. " No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him." ( John 6:44). Draw us to Jesus, Father. Our world is in desperate need of the only One who can save us and bring us to You in Heaven. I specifically pray for my unsaved loved ones.. asking that You will do this wonderful work of grace, for nothing is impossible to You. and for that I am forever grateful! amen and amen.
These chapters give us a series of significant events:
Miriam and Aaron die.
Moses hits the rock instead of obeying God's command to speak to it... which results in him never entering the promised land.
The people started complaining again, this time resulting in a judgement of poisonous snakes and many deaths.
Adonai told Moses to make the bronze snake which was lifted up, so that those bitten by the snakes could look up to it and be healed.
Israel conquered and took over the cities of the Amorites and began living there.
And then Moab's king Balak starts to get worried. He calls for Balaam to come and curse Israel.
Three times Balak offers sacrifices and orders Balaam to curse Israel. Three times Balaam speaks blessings over Israel as the Lord intervenes. No amount of money could change the words that God put in Balaam's mouth. God even gives Balaam a prophecy.. " I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter shall rise from Israel.. "
Sadly, Balaam also seems to have given Balak some ungodly counsel that leads to the Moabite women seducing the Israelite men, leading them into adultery and idolatry. The anger of the Lord pours out in another plague that kills 24,000 people. It is only stopped there because Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, takes a spear and kills a man, Zimri, from the tribe of Simeon, and Cozbi, a woman who was the daughter of a leader of Midian. God blesses Phinehas with a "covenant of peace".. because, " he was jealous for his God, and made atonement for the sons of Israel." ( 25:12-13)
Jesus said, " And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; " ( John 3:13) Then in John 12 He said, " And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." ( John 12:32) But, look at the verse that precedes verse 32, " Now judgement is upon this world; now the ruler of this world shall be cast out."
There is judgement.
And there is Jesus.
These excerpts are from Spurgeon's sermon based on John 12:32 :
" God's ministers must preach God's terrors as well as God's mercies... "
"Did the loving Savior talk of the pit that burns, of the worm that never dies, and of the fire that can never be extinguished? It is ours to speak as he spoke and not to mince words. It is no mercy to men to hide their doom. But, my brothers, terrors ought never be the prominent feature... "
"...but far more often let us preach the wondrous love of God."
" We must preach Christ and him crucified. Nothing but the gospel is the power of God for salvation. 'I, when I am lifted up form the earth, will draw all people to myself'. Then Christ Jesus will draw al his people to Heaven. He is in Heaven; then Christ is the chariot in which souls are drawn to Heaven. The people of the Lord are on their way to Heaven - they are carried in everlasting arms, and this arms are the arms of Christ."
" O blessed be God, the cross is the plank we hold to as we swim to Heaven."
" And now, poor sinner, I desire before God that Christ would pardon you. Remember his death on Calvary; remember his agonies and bloody sweat. All this he did for you, if you feel yourself to be a sinner. Does not this draw you to him?"
"You have rebelled agains him and revolted, but he says, 'Return backsliding children'. Will not his love draw you? I pray that you may be drawn to Christ now and at last be drawn to Heaven."
Father in heaven, this is our prayer.. that all people will be drawn to Jesus, who was lifted up on a cross.. who alone can give life.. the only One who can save us and bring us to You. Yet, we cannot even come to Jesus unless You, by grace draw us to Him. " No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him." ( John 6:44). Draw us to Jesus, Father. Our world is in desperate need of the only One who can save us and bring us to You in Heaven. I specifically pray for my unsaved loved ones.. asking that You will do this wonderful work of grace, for nothing is impossible to You. and for that I am forever grateful! amen and amen.
Friday, March 27, 2020
Numbers 19 So.. this chapter has to do with how to deal with being "unclean". To Israel, one of the most contaminating things would be touching a corpse. Think about that.. they were living in tents, traveling frequently, and all those over 20 were condemned to die for their rebellion after the spies had come back from Canaan. They had provoked the Lord, who sent a plague killing 14,700 plus the 250 and all of Korah's family. Lots of corpses had to be dealt with... quickly. The Lord established a way that those who became unclean could be restored. In this case, He had the priest go outside the camp, sacrifice a red heifer, burn it to ashes, and then add those ashes to water.. to make a purification liquid. The unclean person would be sprinkled on the third and seventh days, then he would wash his clothes and himself in water.. and then he was pronounced clean.
In our current state.. we are definitely aware of contamination. Everywhere we look we are reminded to wash our hands.. to stay away from anyone who might expose us to the virus. And, there are people dying. We don't have a red heifer. We won't be sprinkling anyone with this purification liquid.. but, we can take away truth from this passage....
God always has a plan.
He doesn't want us to remain unclean.
He has provided a way for us.
Two passages come to mind...
In Mark 7 the Pharisees and scribes criticize the disciples for not following the traditional hand washings before they ate. ( This had nothing to do with cleanliness, but with ritual). Jesus teaches that true defilement is not what comes from the outside and into the stomach.. but "that which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man. " ( v20-23)
It is this "uncleanness" that the world ignores as it focuses on combating covoid19. But, God has not changed His mind about what is more important! He doesn't want us to remain unclean.. in our hearts and He has provided a way..
The second passage comes from Hebrews 9:13-14 " .. 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."
And, 10: 22 "... let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."
Father in heaven, You determined long ago that You would make a way for us to be cleansed from all our unrighteousness. How amazing is Your grace, that You would send Your only Son, to become the sacrifice that cleanses us from all sin and defilement. Thank You! Thank You for giving us Your Word and the Spirit who illuminates our understanding. Father, we draw near to You with sincere hearts and full assurance that You have cleansed our evil hearts... and You will take care of the rest of us too! We pray for You to reveal Your plan and to lead us in Your ways, so that Your Name is glorified in all the earth. We pray this in Jesus' name. amen.
In our current state.. we are definitely aware of contamination. Everywhere we look we are reminded to wash our hands.. to stay away from anyone who might expose us to the virus. And, there are people dying. We don't have a red heifer. We won't be sprinkling anyone with this purification liquid.. but, we can take away truth from this passage....
God always has a plan.
He doesn't want us to remain unclean.
He has provided a way for us.
Two passages come to mind...
In Mark 7 the Pharisees and scribes criticize the disciples for not following the traditional hand washings before they ate. ( This had nothing to do with cleanliness, but with ritual). Jesus teaches that true defilement is not what comes from the outside and into the stomach.. but "that which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man. " ( v20-23)
It is this "uncleanness" that the world ignores as it focuses on combating covoid19. But, God has not changed His mind about what is more important! He doesn't want us to remain unclean.. in our hearts and He has provided a way..
The second passage comes from Hebrews 9:13-14 " .. 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."
And, 10: 22 "... let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."
Father in heaven, You determined long ago that You would make a way for us to be cleansed from all our unrighteousness. How amazing is Your grace, that You would send Your only Son, to become the sacrifice that cleanses us from all sin and defilement. Thank You! Thank You for giving us Your Word and the Spirit who illuminates our understanding. Father, we draw near to You with sincere hearts and full assurance that You have cleansed our evil hearts... and You will take care of the rest of us too! We pray for You to reveal Your plan and to lead us in Your ways, so that Your Name is glorified in all the earth. We pray this in Jesus' name. amen.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Numbers 18 - The Lord emphasized that Aaron and his sons were responsible "for anything that goes wrong in the sanctuary." The Levites were also responsible for their duties as commanded by the Law. This chapter also emphasizes the distribution of the offerings and tithes given by the people of Israel to the Lord. The Lord gave these gifts to them to provide for their needs. These offerings were holy and had to be treated as such.
I am reminded by this that the offering that we give at church, whether on-line or by check, or however we give - is first and foremost "a holy portion" offered to the Lord. Yes, it is used for the church staff and the building upkeep, etc. But, more importantly, it is an offering to God, and therefore it is HOLY.
May we be faithful to give from our hearts and not just out of habit. May we give generously, from cheerful hearts, as this pleases our Lord. "Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed." ( 2 Corinthians 9:7-8)
I am reminded by this that the offering that we give at church, whether on-line or by check, or however we give - is first and foremost "a holy portion" offered to the Lord. Yes, it is used for the church staff and the building upkeep, etc. But, more importantly, it is an offering to God, and therefore it is HOLY.
May we be faithful to give from our hearts and not just out of habit. May we give generously, from cheerful hearts, as this pleases our Lord. "Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed." ( 2 Corinthians 9:7-8)
Here is one of those truths of God that we can and must hold on to and live by:
" Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; and you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supporting the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution to them.. "
( 2 Cor. 9:10-13)
Completely opposite of the world's way of thinking.. and hoarding.. these days. It so wonderful to see the many who are living out this ministry of liberality.. to the glory of God. It's making the news! God is at work and being glorified as we give from our hearts - generously and cheerfully, believing that He will "make all grace" abound to us.
Father, we desire to please You in every way. May we be vessels "set aside for honorable use.. ready for every kind of good work" ( 2 Tim. 2:21) We call on You "from a pure heart, pursuing righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace" (v22). Be glorified in everything we do in Your Name, according to Your Word. May we not be conformed to the world's ways of thinking, but transform us by renewing our minds.. reminding us of Your Truth! Help us to know that we need not be afraid to give or to speak about You.... but that instead, to know that Your Word is true and that You have given us the Spirit of love, power, and sound minds. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Numbers 16 This chapter is all about rebellion... Korah, a Levite, joined forces with two men, Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, and 250 "men of renown". These were the leaders of the tribes, respected men, who thought they should be in charge. They challenged Moses and Aaron for the positions of authority over the nation. The result is certainly tragic. The whole households of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, along with everything they possessed were sucked down into Sheol as the earth split open underneath them. The 250 men of renown were burned up.. consumed by fire from the Lord. And, it doesn't end there!
The next day, the people started grumbling about the deaths of the rebellious leaders. The Lord's anger falls upon them and a plague begins, killing 14,700 people. Only because of the intercession of Aaron, making atonement for them, does the plague come into check.
In chapter 17 God makes it abundantly clear that He has chosen Aaron to be the High Priest.. making his rod bloom and grow flowers and ripe almonds overnight. There was no doubt that God had confirmed His choice of Aaron. The Lord tells Moses to warn the people to "stop grumbling against Me, so that they should not die." Only then do the people realize the truth, " Oh no! We're dead men! Lost! We're all lost!"
Rebellion is a symptom of unbelief. Pride plays a part in it too. This leads to grumbling, bitterness, and anger. The result is always destruction. In Korah's case, it led to an awful death.. for him and his entire family.
I'm reading from a devotional by Randy Alcorn, who uses sermons by Charles Spurgeon. This is what I read today,
The next day, the people started grumbling about the deaths of the rebellious leaders. The Lord's anger falls upon them and a plague begins, killing 14,700 people. Only because of the intercession of Aaron, making atonement for them, does the plague come into check.
In chapter 17 God makes it abundantly clear that He has chosen Aaron to be the High Priest.. making his rod bloom and grow flowers and ripe almonds overnight. There was no doubt that God had confirmed His choice of Aaron. The Lord tells Moses to warn the people to "stop grumbling against Me, so that they should not die." Only then do the people realize the truth, " Oh no! We're dead men! Lost! We're all lost!"
Rebellion is a symptom of unbelief. Pride plays a part in it too. This leads to grumbling, bitterness, and anger. The result is always destruction. In Korah's case, it led to an awful death.. for him and his entire family.
I'm reading from a devotional by Randy Alcorn, who uses sermons by Charles Spurgeon. This is what I read today,
" To doubt an honest man is to cast a slur upon him. But to doubt God, who cannot lie, who has sworn by an oath, is to make God a liar or even a perjurer! Our souls shrink back from infamy so cursed. Did ever a fiend in Hell commit a more detestable sin than that of doubting the truthfulness of a God of perfection and truth?"
Here's the point that Spurgeon wants us to get... God's promises are True.. and they are for us.. personally. He goes on to say, " Come soul, there is the promise'; there it stands before you. You say, 'I dare not believe it'. But I say, ' How dare you doubt it? Where did you get your arrogance from? How can you speak so exceeding proudly as thus to think of God and say of him, that he has promised what he cannot or what he will not perform?'"
God's promises are true. He promises that all who believe will be saved. He promises eternal life. He promises that Jesus is coming again. He promises that there will be a new heaven and a new earth with no more death, no more sin, and no more curse. How can we doubt it?
Father in heaven, let Your kingdom come and Your will be done! We pray for those who are lost, filled with unbelief and pride and rebellion, and we ask that their eyes be opened, so that they recognize their need for a Savior. Like Aaron, lifting the censor of incense, we lift up our prayers on behalf of those who are dying, lost and without hope. You are Mighty to save, Lord God. Your hand is not short and nothing is impossible for You. Thank you for what you are doing in our world right now, working in hearts.. drawing men and women to Yourself. May there be a great harvest of souls for the Kingdom. We pray this in Jesus' name. amen.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Numbers 15 The message of chapter 15 is summed up in the last verse, " I am Adonai your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt in order to be your God. I am Adonai your God."
So:
Offer your sacrifices correctly, according the the Lord's command.
If you make a mistake.. it can be atoned for and forgiven.
If you intentionally sin.. it is contempt for the word of God, blasphemy against God, and will result in death.
"Remember all the commandments of the Lord, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you played the harlot."
The Lord then commanded them to have tassels added onto the corners of their garments to remind the people to obey. To follow His Word and not their own hearts and desires.
Do you know remember the woman who reached out to touch the hem of Jesus' robe? Matthew records this incident for us, "And behold, a woman who had been suffering.. came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; for she was saying to herself, 'If I only touch His garment, I shall get well.'" ( 9:20-21) According to the Complete Jewish Bible Commentary.. this fringe was the tassel.. the tzitziyot.. worn according to God's word. According to Jewish tradition, touching the fringe of the Messiah's garment would bring healing. When the woman reached out to Jesus.. she was acting if faith.. revealing her belief that Jesus was the Messiah!
Because, the Lord is our God... we are to obey His Word. We do make mistakes and we can find forgiveness. We all have sinned... intentionally sometimes.. and we are all deserving of death.. but, oh how thankful we are that Jesus took that judgement upon Himself also!
Jesus is the Perfect Sacrifice.. offered according to the Father's will.
He is the Atonement for our sins.
He bore our deaths upon the cross.
He calls us to follow Him and do His will.. not our own.
And, like the woman who touched His garment.. we can also reach out to Jesus in faith.. trusting Him as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King!
Father in Heaven, Your Word is Truth and we want to walk in obedience and trust. We come in the Name of Jesus.. the only Way, Truth, and Life.. to find salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life through His sacrifice on the cross. Thank You for such amazing grace. Thank You for loving us and leading us in paths of righteousness... for writing Your Law on our hearts.. for giving us Your Spirit so that we might become like our Precious Savior. Have Your way in us today we pray.. amen.
So:
Offer your sacrifices correctly, according the the Lord's command.
If you make a mistake.. it can be atoned for and forgiven.
If you intentionally sin.. it is contempt for the word of God, blasphemy against God, and will result in death.
"Remember all the commandments of the Lord, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you played the harlot."
The Lord then commanded them to have tassels added onto the corners of their garments to remind the people to obey. To follow His Word and not their own hearts and desires.
Do you know remember the woman who reached out to touch the hem of Jesus' robe? Matthew records this incident for us, "And behold, a woman who had been suffering.. came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; for she was saying to herself, 'If I only touch His garment, I shall get well.'" ( 9:20-21) According to the Complete Jewish Bible Commentary.. this fringe was the tassel.. the tzitziyot.. worn according to God's word. According to Jewish tradition, touching the fringe of the Messiah's garment would bring healing. When the woman reached out to Jesus.. she was acting if faith.. revealing her belief that Jesus was the Messiah!
Because, the Lord is our God... we are to obey His Word. We do make mistakes and we can find forgiveness. We all have sinned... intentionally sometimes.. and we are all deserving of death.. but, oh how thankful we are that Jesus took that judgement upon Himself also!
Jesus is the Perfect Sacrifice.. offered according to the Father's will.
He is the Atonement for our sins.
He bore our deaths upon the cross.
He calls us to follow Him and do His will.. not our own.
And, like the woman who touched His garment.. we can also reach out to Jesus in faith.. trusting Him as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King!
Father in Heaven, Your Word is Truth and we want to walk in obedience and trust. We come in the Name of Jesus.. the only Way, Truth, and Life.. to find salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life through His sacrifice on the cross. Thank You for such amazing grace. Thank You for loving us and leading us in paths of righteousness... for writing Your Law on our hearts.. for giving us Your Spirit so that we might become like our Precious Savior. Have Your way in us today we pray.. amen.
Monday, March 23, 2020
Numbers 12 Miriam seems to be the one who started the rebellion. She was unhappy that Moses married an Ethiopian woman. She wanted some of the attention that Moses has gotten. "Hasn't [God] spoken with us too?" she says to Aaron. He seems to agree, but the judgement is put on Miriam alone. She is afflicted with leprosy for 7 days. Adonai heard the criticism and addressed it directly. Yet, because of the prayer of Moses.. Miriam was healed.
There is no such thing as a hidden sin. God sees it and judges it. Only by grace does He forgive it when we confess and repent. But often, as in Miriam's case, there are still consequences.
Which leads to the next two chapters, 13-14. The 12 spies are sent out to scout out the promised land. 10 give a negative report, while Caleb and Joshua, give a favorable one. By faith, the land would have been conquered and secured by Israel. But, without faith, there was rebellion. And rebellion brings judgement. God would have wiped out the entire nation except for the prayer of Moses. Still, consequences were given. The 10 unbelieving scouts died . Every adult over the age of 20 would die in the wilderness. There would be 40 years of waiting until Israel would enter their land. Yet, Caleb and Joshua were allowed to live because of their faith.
Two things I want to focus on in these passages..
There is no such thing as a hidden sin. God sees it and judges it. Only by grace does He forgive it when we confess and repent. But often, as in Miriam's case, there are still consequences.
Which leads to the next two chapters, 13-14. The 12 spies are sent out to scout out the promised land. 10 give a negative report, while Caleb and Joshua, give a favorable one. By faith, the land would have been conquered and secured by Israel. But, without faith, there was rebellion. And rebellion brings judgement. God would have wiped out the entire nation except for the prayer of Moses. Still, consequences were given. The 10 unbelieving scouts died . Every adult over the age of 20 would die in the wilderness. There would be 40 years of waiting until Israel would enter their land. Yet, Caleb and Joshua were allowed to live because of their faith.
Two things I want to focus on in these passages..
First, the prayers of Moses in 12:13 and 14:17-19:
"O God, heal her , I pray."
and
"But now , I pray, let the power of the Lord, be great,
just as Thou hast declared,
'The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness,
forgiving iniquity and transgression;
but He will by no means clear the guilty,
visiting the iniquity of the fathers' on the children
to the third and fourth generations;
Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people
according to the greatness of Thy lovingkindness,
just as Thou also hast forgiven this people,
from Egypt even until now."
Second, although the majority of people had a spirit of fear and spurned the Lord.. putting Him to the test.. not listening . ( v22-23) Caleb had a "different spirit" and followed the Lord fully. ( v24).
Whether our rebellion is personal and directed towards an individual.. or our rebellion is birthed out of fear or anger.. God is not pleased. He takes it personally! He considers it "contempt" - "How long will this people spurn Me?" Spurn - blaspheme, condemn, despise, provoke.
We believe God or we don't. We follow Him fully, or we rebel. We act out of faith or out of fear.
These truths apply to every single one of us. Our only hope is in Jesus. He is still "slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness". He still forgives. And we have a world full of fearful, rebellious, and angry people who are spurning God instead of finding forgiveness that comes by faith.
Let us intercede for the rebels..like Moses did for his sister and then for his nation.
Father in heaven, let Your power be made known and Your name be exalted among the nations of our world. We believe that You are merciful and mighty. We believe that You are slow to anger.. and thank You for You have been more than patient with the rebellious people of our nation. We pray for those living in iniquity and rebellion.. that You would bring them to repentance that they might be saved. We pray for healing, Lord. We pray for forgiveness. We pray that Your people will have the Holy Spirit and follow our Lord fully. Strengthen us in faith and love we ask, that Christ might be exalted in each of us. We pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
Friday, March 20, 2020
Numbers 10 gives us more information on God's plan for organizing Israel for traveling. Two silver trumpets were made and used for summoning the people and to communicate the order for moving. In verse 13 Israel begins their first major journey, moving out according to the order that God designated for them. Perfectly ordered, with Judah at the front to lead the way, and with the Levites separated in a way that the tabernacle would arrive first and be set up before the holy things arrived and were ushered into where they belonged. Let us be reminded that our God is "not a God of confusion but of peace.." ( I Corinthians 14:33)
Numbers 11:1 "But the people began complaining about the hardships to Adonai."
The "mixed crowd that was with them grew greedy for an easier life..." v4
The people of Israel wept and complained about the lack of meat and other foods.. v5
And the wrath of God "flared up violently" v10.
Moses was overwhelmed and cried out to the Lord.
God addressed this situation in two ways.
First, He had Moses bring in 70 men from the 12 tribes and took " some of the Spirit which [rested] on [Moses] and put it on them." Others to share the burden that Moses felt for the responsibility of leading Israel.
Second, He brought meat - quail. So many quail that the people gathered them for two whole days. Heaps and heaps of quail. But... " while the meat was still in their mouth, before they had chewed it up, the anger of Adonai flared up against the people, and Adonai struck the people with a terrible plague." The name of this place was called "graves of greed, because there they buried the people who were so greedy."
As they say.. there is nothing new under the sun... We are living in a time when people are complaining.. and growing greedy.. wanting an easier life.. It is overwhelming. We need to pray for those in leadership positions.. our government as well as church leaders. Let us pray for wisdom from above.. as James 3:17 tells us - wisdom that "is pure..peaceable , gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, and without hypocrisy."
Paul had some things to say about Israel and what we should learn from their mistakes in
I Corinthians 10. He reminds us that all of them had come "under the cloud and all passed through the sea." They "all ate the same spiritual food and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from the spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ." But, Paul goes on, "Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased."
"Now these things happened as examples for us, that we should not crave evil things, as they also craved." How? Paul tells us:
".. do not be idolaters... " Paul quotes Exodus 32:4 "The people sat down to eat and drink and stood up to play." Wow - if that isn't a description of our world today! People are focused on food, drink, and entertainment... on the things that give them pleasure - beyond just satisfying normal needs. These cravings, as Paul calls them, are idolatry.
Also, Paul says, " Nor let us act immorally.. " In Numbers 25 there is a description of gross immorality where 23,000 Israelites were killed by a plague for what they did. We know our world is filled with immorality that we couldn't even imagine just 10-20 years ago. Should we wonder about a plague.. or are we in the midst of one? Hmmm....
Paul goes on, "Nor let us try the Lord" v9; " - which brought judgement
"nor grumble" v10- bringing destruction'
Greedy cravings; idolatry; immorality; grumbling; and trying the Lord. All roads to God's wrath and to destruction. Paul warns us, " Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. " But, he doesn't leave us there.. but gives us hope... " No temptation has overtaken you but such is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it."
Father in heaven, You are holy. We pray that Your Name would be exalted, that all people will know Who You are and would bow in worship before You in spirit and in truth. We pray that Your Kingdom would come in power with Your glory and majesty manifested in us. We pray that Your will would be done here on earth as it is in heaven. May the wonders of Your glory and majesty that are constant in Heaven be done right here and now in us, in our families, in our church, and in the world. May the Kingdom of Christ overcome the dominion of darkness.. now and forever more.
Father, we ask You to meet our needs for today. We know all things come from Your Hand and we are thankful. Be glorified in us today we pray, Lord, that we might please You in every way. In Jesus' name we pray... amen.
Numbers 11:1 "But the people began complaining about the hardships to Adonai."
The "mixed crowd that was with them grew greedy for an easier life..." v4
The people of Israel wept and complained about the lack of meat and other foods.. v5
And the wrath of God "flared up violently" v10.
Moses was overwhelmed and cried out to the Lord.
God addressed this situation in two ways.
First, He had Moses bring in 70 men from the 12 tribes and took " some of the Spirit which [rested] on [Moses] and put it on them." Others to share the burden that Moses felt for the responsibility of leading Israel.
Second, He brought meat - quail. So many quail that the people gathered them for two whole days. Heaps and heaps of quail. But... " while the meat was still in their mouth, before they had chewed it up, the anger of Adonai flared up against the people, and Adonai struck the people with a terrible plague." The name of this place was called "graves of greed, because there they buried the people who were so greedy."
As they say.. there is nothing new under the sun... We are living in a time when people are complaining.. and growing greedy.. wanting an easier life.. It is overwhelming. We need to pray for those in leadership positions.. our government as well as church leaders. Let us pray for wisdom from above.. as James 3:17 tells us - wisdom that "is pure..peaceable , gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, and without hypocrisy."
Paul had some things to say about Israel and what we should learn from their mistakes in
I Corinthians 10. He reminds us that all of them had come "under the cloud and all passed through the sea." They "all ate the same spiritual food and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from the spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ." But, Paul goes on, "Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased."
"Now these things happened as examples for us, that we should not crave evil things, as they also craved." How? Paul tells us:
".. do not be idolaters... " Paul quotes Exodus 32:4 "The people sat down to eat and drink and stood up to play." Wow - if that isn't a description of our world today! People are focused on food, drink, and entertainment... on the things that give them pleasure - beyond just satisfying normal needs. These cravings, as Paul calls them, are idolatry.
Also, Paul says, " Nor let us act immorally.. " In Numbers 25 there is a description of gross immorality where 23,000 Israelites were killed by a plague for what they did. We know our world is filled with immorality that we couldn't even imagine just 10-20 years ago. Should we wonder about a plague.. or are we in the midst of one? Hmmm....
Paul goes on, "Nor let us try the Lord" v9; " - which brought judgement
"nor grumble" v10- bringing destruction'
Greedy cravings; idolatry; immorality; grumbling; and trying the Lord. All roads to God's wrath and to destruction. Paul warns us, " Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. " But, he doesn't leave us there.. but gives us hope... " No temptation has overtaken you but such is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it."
Father in heaven, You are holy. We pray that Your Name would be exalted, that all people will know Who You are and would bow in worship before You in spirit and in truth. We pray that Your Kingdom would come in power with Your glory and majesty manifested in us. We pray that Your will would be done here on earth as it is in heaven. May the wonders of Your glory and majesty that are constant in Heaven be done right here and now in us, in our families, in our church, and in the world. May the Kingdom of Christ overcome the dominion of darkness.. now and forever more.
Father, we ask You to meet our needs for today. We know all things come from Your Hand and we are thankful. Be glorified in us today we pray, Lord, that we might please You in every way. In Jesus' name we pray... amen.
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Numbers 9 Two years had passed since Israel left Egypt. It was time to celebrate the Passover. Two things to note...
First, there was a group that were unclean because of a death. They wanted to observe the passover but knew they couldn't, so they went to ask Moses and Aaron.. Note what Moses said, " Wait, so I can hear what Adonai will order... " He didn't rush into a decision, but waited on the Lord! Oh how we need to do that more often!
Second, Moses describes how the Lord would lead them through the wilderness. "At the order of Adonai, the people of Israel traveled; at the order of Adonai, they camped; and as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they stayed in camp."
Our God is in control! What a wonderful thing to remember as we travel through this "wilderness" of life.. especially this unknown landscape caused by the coronavirus. Like Moses, let us wait to hear from the Lord and let us move when He says move.. and stay when He says stay.
Father we are in Your Hands and we wait upon you! Thank you for holding us! Amen.
First, there was a group that were unclean because of a death. They wanted to observe the passover but knew they couldn't, so they went to ask Moses and Aaron.. Note what Moses said, " Wait, so I can hear what Adonai will order... " He didn't rush into a decision, but waited on the Lord! Oh how we need to do that more often!
Second, Moses describes how the Lord would lead them through the wilderness. "At the order of Adonai, the people of Israel traveled; at the order of Adonai, they camped; and as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they stayed in camp."
Our God is in control! What a wonderful thing to remember as we travel through this "wilderness" of life.. especially this unknown landscape caused by the coronavirus. Like Moses, let us wait to hear from the Lord and let us move when He says move.. and stay when He says stay.
Right now, many of us are staying home. Let us use this time to wait.. so we can also hear God's voice. That takes me back to John 14:1 "Don't let yourselves be disturbed. Trust in God and trust in Me." Jesus tells us.
Let us remember:
"The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time and forever."
Father we are in Your Hands and we wait upon you! Thank you for holding us! Amen.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Numbers 7 The tabernacle was completed and set up, anointed and consecrated. The Lord called upon each leader of the 12 tribes to bring an offering. They provided oxen and carts for the Levites which would be used for carrying some of the parts of the tabernacle when they moved. Only the most sacred items would be carried by hand - those under the responsibility of the Kohath division.
Each of the tribes offered the same thing -
1 silver dish
1 silver bowl
1 gold pan
fine flour
1 male goat for a sin offering
2 oxen, 5 rams, 5 male goats, 5 male lambs - for peace offerings.
This took 12 days as each tribe presented their offerings one at a time.
In this way, the tabernacle was equipped for the priests and Levites to begin the ongoing sacrifices according to the Lord's commands.
In Numbers 8 the Levites are dedicated. They were presented as a wave offering before the Lord. They belonged to Him, redeeming the first born from all the other tribes. The Lord set them apart for Himself. They accepted God's call, "acted in accordance with everything Adonai had ordered.. purified themselves and washed their clothes." Aaron "offered them as a holy gift before Adonai and made atonement for them in order to cleanse them."
This makes me think of Romans 12:1 " I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."
We have been called into God's service, just like the Levites were. We have been shown great mercy by the "unsearchable.. unfathomable.. God" who calls us into His service. We accept this call by turning away from the world and being "transformed by the renewing of [our] minds.. " We receive the atonement provided by our Lord Jesus on the cross. We offer ourselves to the Lord.. with the righteousness of Christ that has made us holy and acceptable. We are a wave offering.. set apart for our Lord.
Father, we humbly bow before You. It is with great reverence and love that we look to You and offer ourselves to You as living, holy sacrifices. May we serve You with clean hands and pure hearts all the days of our lives. In Jesus' name.. the Name above all names.. the only One who can bring us to the Father.. we pray. Amen.
Each of the tribes offered the same thing -
1 silver dish
1 silver bowl
1 gold pan
fine flour
1 male goat for a sin offering
2 oxen, 5 rams, 5 male goats, 5 male lambs - for peace offerings.
This took 12 days as each tribe presented their offerings one at a time.
In this way, the tabernacle was equipped for the priests and Levites to begin the ongoing sacrifices according to the Lord's commands.
In Numbers 8 the Levites are dedicated. They were presented as a wave offering before the Lord. They belonged to Him, redeeming the first born from all the other tribes. The Lord set them apart for Himself. They accepted God's call, "acted in accordance with everything Adonai had ordered.. purified themselves and washed their clothes." Aaron "offered them as a holy gift before Adonai and made atonement for them in order to cleanse them."
This makes me think of Romans 12:1 " I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."
We have been called into God's service, just like the Levites were. We have been shown great mercy by the "unsearchable.. unfathomable.. God" who calls us into His service. We accept this call by turning away from the world and being "transformed by the renewing of [our] minds.. " We receive the atonement provided by our Lord Jesus on the cross. We offer ourselves to the Lord.. with the righteousness of Christ that has made us holy and acceptable. We are a wave offering.. set apart for our Lord.
Father, we humbly bow before You. It is with great reverence and love that we look to You and offer ourselves to You as living, holy sacrifices. May we serve You with clean hands and pure hearts all the days of our lives. In Jesus' name.. the Name above all names.. the only One who can bring us to the Father.. we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Numbers 6 Most of this chapter has to do with the Nazarite vow.. for those who wanted to dedicate themselves for a special time to the Lord. It involved abstaining from anything that came from grapes; no shaving or cutting their hair; and not going near anyone who died... even a family member. A woman or a man could take this vow. Both Samson and Samuel were called to be Nazarites from birth.
The end of chapter 6 gives us a wonderful prayer that the priests were to pray over the people of Israel:
The end of chapter 6 gives us a wonderful prayer that the priests were to pray over the people of Israel:
"May Adonai bless you and keep you
May Adonai make his face shine on you
and show you his favor.
May Adonai lift up his face toward you
and give you peace."
The Lord said, "In this way they are to put my name on the people of Israel, so that I will bless them."
In this day and age we use the word "bless" as a kind of a spontaneous response... "bless you" to someone who sneezes .. or "bless your heart" to someone who has a little problem. We might even say "God bless you" to someone who has done something kind or thoughtful. But, the power of this blessing goes far beyond those things. "To put God's name on" someone... that is a powerful thing!
Let us pray that the Lord our God will bless and keep- guard, protect, attend to, hedge around - our loved ones; our neighbors; our church; our nation...
Let us pray that the Lord our God will "shine His face" on us and on others - as Psalm 80:3 says "O God restore us, and cause Thy face to shine upon us and we will be saved." There is only darkness when God turns His face away.... so we pray that His Light will shine on us as He turns His face in our direction.
Let us pray for God to be gracious - to show His favor, His kindness, His mercy... His pity on people, those we know and those we don't.
Let us pray for the Lord our God to "lift up His face" towards us - to see us; to make His Presence known to us.. to those in our world who are lost without hope... that they might know the God who loves them.
Let us pray that the Lord our God will give peace - wholeness, happiness, health, safety, rest - to an anxious, troubled world.. to the person in front of us at the store; to the sick and poor; to all of us.
God Himself ordained this prayer. He commanded that it be spoken over His people. Do you suppose He might just answer it?
Father, we want Your Name to be exalted and lifted up. We want Your name to be over us, on us, in us, and glorified through our words and actions. We do ask that You would bless us and keep us. That You would shine Your face on us and be gracious to us. We do ask that You would lift up Your face towards us and give us peace. And we ask all of this in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, March 16, 2020
Numbers 5 Adonai gives Moses instructions to "expel from the camp..." anyone who has leprosy.. or a discharge.. or uncleanness from "touching a corpse". He tells them to put them outside the camp.. These instructions seem a bit harsh. But, then I think of what our world is doing right now.. isolating the contagious ones... for the sake of all the others. We are quarantining the contagions inside.. our "camp".. while God gave Israel a practical way to isolate their contagions... outside their camp. Quite practical for such a mass of nomads!
In verse 5 Adonai gives some specific directions for dealing with sin between people.. "When a man or a woman commits any kind of sin against another person and thus breaks faith with Adonai, he incurs guilt. He must confess the sin which he committed; and he must make full restitution for his guilt, add twenty percent and give it to the victim of his sin." The process is exactly the same for every single one of us...
We sin.
We are guilty.
We must confess.
We must make restitution.
Only then do we restore our relationship with our Lord and with our fellow man.
The rest of chapter 5 is really challenging. It deals with jealousy. A husband whose wife has committed adultery.. or is suspected of it. The treatment seems .. well wrong..
A drink is made of holy water and dust from the floor. A grain offering is brought. The woman is brought before the priest; the grain offering put in her hands; and she has to swear whether or not she is innocent or guilty. Then she has to drink the tainted water! If she is guilty it will cause her to be cursed. It not, she will be fine....
All of this shows the seriousness of such a charge.. unfaithfulness in marriage reflects a spiritual deficit... which would also reflect unfaithfulness towards God Himself. He demands and desires a holy people who live in right relationship to Himself and to each other.
How much more amazing, then, is the interaction of Jesus with the adulterous woman in John 8. He didn't stone her. He didn't condemn her. He didn't make her drink the dust infused water. He, instead, stooped down and wrote on the dust of the ground until those who condemned her left. Then He sent her away to "sin no more".
Forgiveness flowed instead of the curse.
Father in heaven, we have lived in this curse filled world. We have all sinned.. all missed the mark.. all like sheep, we have gone astray. We agree with You that we are guilty. We confess that we have been unfaithful to You and to each other. Please forgive us our sin and help us to forgive each other. Lead us in Your paths of righteousness for Your Name's sake. Thank You for the forgiveness of our sins and that there is NO condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord, for He has paid the full price to ransom us from the curse. Hallelujah what a Savior! We praise You and thank You for saving us!
amen and amen.
In verse 5 Adonai gives some specific directions for dealing with sin between people.. "When a man or a woman commits any kind of sin against another person and thus breaks faith with Adonai, he incurs guilt. He must confess the sin which he committed; and he must make full restitution for his guilt, add twenty percent and give it to the victim of his sin." The process is exactly the same for every single one of us...
We sin.
We are guilty.
We must confess.
We must make restitution.
Only then do we restore our relationship with our Lord and with our fellow man.
The rest of chapter 5 is really challenging. It deals with jealousy. A husband whose wife has committed adultery.. or is suspected of it. The treatment seems .. well wrong..
A drink is made of holy water and dust from the floor. A grain offering is brought. The woman is brought before the priest; the grain offering put in her hands; and she has to swear whether or not she is innocent or guilty. Then she has to drink the tainted water! If she is guilty it will cause her to be cursed. It not, she will be fine....
All of this shows the seriousness of such a charge.. unfaithfulness in marriage reflects a spiritual deficit... which would also reflect unfaithfulness towards God Himself. He demands and desires a holy people who live in right relationship to Himself and to each other.
How much more amazing, then, is the interaction of Jesus with the adulterous woman in John 8. He didn't stone her. He didn't condemn her. He didn't make her drink the dust infused water. He, instead, stooped down and wrote on the dust of the ground until those who condemned her left. Then He sent her away to "sin no more".
Forgiveness flowed instead of the curse.
Father in heaven, we have lived in this curse filled world. We have all sinned.. all missed the mark.. all like sheep, we have gone astray. We agree with You that we are guilty. We confess that we have been unfaithful to You and to each other. Please forgive us our sin and help us to forgive each other. Lead us in Your paths of righteousness for Your Name's sake. Thank You for the forgiveness of our sins and that there is NO condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord, for He has paid the full price to ransom us from the curse. Hallelujah what a Savior! We praise You and thank You for saving us!
amen and amen.
Friday, March 13, 2020
Numbers 3-4 The Lord continued to give Moses and Aaron directions for organizing the large community of Israel's people. Here, He gives specific directions to the Levites. There were three sons of Levi..Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Each clan was assigned to their place in the camp around the tent of meeting. Each clan was given a part of the tent that they would be responsible for - to carry and to maintain.
The men between the ages of 30-50 were drafted for the work. They were under the supervision of Aaron's sons. Each person was given a particular assignment.. " by name". They had to be very careful to do things exactly as they should.. for if they touched or looked upon the Holy things - they would die. It was a sacred duty. And it was hard work.
8,580 men between the ages of 30-50 were appointed by Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of Israel.
"... each one to his specific service or work." ( 4:49)
This brings to mind I Corinthians 12:7-28 where Paul teaches about the way God organizes the church... " But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge.. " Verse 18 "But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body just as He desired." God appoints the "apostles.. prophets.. teachers.. "etc.
What a wonderful reminder - God has given each of us a particular assignment. He has called us by name.. to a specific service or work. Romans 12:6 reminds us also.. " And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly; if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching... "
Like the Levites we have been assigned to a specific service, and gifted by the Holy Spirit for the work that God has placed us here to do for Him.
Father in heaven, You have given me a responsibility. You have called me by name. You have placed me in the body of Christ as You have desired and gifted me to serve here where You have placed me.
It is my sacred duty and I want to be faithful and careful to act according to Your will in everything that I do. Let me sing every song from a surrendered and pure heart. Let me write every word in this journal with faith in and obedience to You. Let me abide in You and You in me.. and if fruit is produced, which I pray it will.. let it be to Your glory. Thank You for taking this word from long ago and teaching me anew how great You are in every way! Once again I commit myself to You.. presenting my body as a living sacrifice.. in true worship of my Lord and Savior. I pray that all who read this will also hear Your voice. In Jesus' name. Amen.
The men between the ages of 30-50 were drafted for the work. They were under the supervision of Aaron's sons. Each person was given a particular assignment.. " by name". They had to be very careful to do things exactly as they should.. for if they touched or looked upon the Holy things - they would die. It was a sacred duty. And it was hard work.
8,580 men between the ages of 30-50 were appointed by Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of Israel.
"... each one to his specific service or work." ( 4:49)
This brings to mind I Corinthians 12:7-28 where Paul teaches about the way God organizes the church... " But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge.. " Verse 18 "But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body just as He desired." God appoints the "apostles.. prophets.. teachers.. "etc.
What a wonderful reminder - God has given each of us a particular assignment. He has called us by name.. to a specific service or work. Romans 12:6 reminds us also.. " And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly; if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching... "
Like the Levites we have been assigned to a specific service, and gifted by the Holy Spirit for the work that God has placed us here to do for Him.
Father in heaven, You have given me a responsibility. You have called me by name. You have placed me in the body of Christ as You have desired and gifted me to serve here where You have placed me.
It is my sacred duty and I want to be faithful and careful to act according to Your will in everything that I do. Let me sing every song from a surrendered and pure heart. Let me write every word in this journal with faith in and obedience to You. Let me abide in You and You in me.. and if fruit is produced, which I pray it will.. let it be to Your glory. Thank You for taking this word from long ago and teaching me anew how great You are in every way! Once again I commit myself to You.. presenting my body as a living sacrifice.. in true worship of my Lord and Savior. I pray that all who read this will also hear Your voice. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Numbers 1-2 Back to the Old Testament - always a challenge, but always worth it. The Lord speaks and we hear His voice, if we are His sheep.. and I find that it doesn't matter what book of the Bible that I am reading. Holy Spirit, help me.. help us to hear You loud and clear today!
"Adonai speaks to Moshe in the Sinai Desert.. " this book begins. It is not more of the Law.. not more of the Tabernacle requirements or sacrifices.. but very practical instructions for this vast sea of people.
First of all, the Lord calls a man from every tribe to be the leader of that tribe. God Himself called each of them by name.
Next, He sent them among the people to count and record the name of every man 20 years old and up... all who would serve as military men.
The only ones not included in this list were the Levites, who were given the responsibility for the Tabernacle.
Then, the Lord assigned an order of camping and moving for each tribe:
Three tribes camped to the east, three to the south, three to the west, and three to the north, surrounding the tabernacle and the tribe of Levi. When they traveled, the tribes to the east would start out first.. Judah at the head, Issachar and Zebulun with them. Then, those to the south, Reuben, Simeon, and Gad would follow.
Nestled in-between these 2 groups and the last 2 groups would be the Levites with the tabernacle and its furniture, which they carried. Following them would come the west side group of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Benjamin. Then bringing up the end would be the north side group of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali.
The largest groups were at the front and at the rear of the column traveling. The tabernacle was set in the middle and protected on all sides. All this was done exactly as the Lord directed. Very practical and organized.
We are reminded of a few truths here.. God knew who would be the best leader for each tribe. He called them by name. They took part in the census of their own tribesmen. They were respected and trusted. Being given a place.. a responsibility.. a position.. is important to people. Organization is so much better than random chaos!
Also, the Lord made the Place of His Presence in the center.. in the heart of His people. It was protected and valued. The significance of this position tells us that this was to be the priority of all their lives.
Makes me think about how we view the church. The Bible calls the church the "Bride of Christ". Valued and cherished by Jesus, who died for her.. for us. Yet, do we cherish.. protect.. and value the church like we should? Not just the building.. which we should treat kindly and care for willingly.. but the body of believers that we worship along-side of.. Do we encourage and share the burdens of our brothers and sisters that walk along this journey with us? Do we guard the center of our fellowship.. our pastors and teachers? Should we? Is there a lesson here in Numbers for the church in America?
Father, lead us in Your paths that we might walk together as You ordain us to walk. Bring leaders to head up our congregations. Bring those in who will protect Your Presence and Your Word. Preserve us. Refine us. Fill us. Unite us in Christ Jesus our Good Shepherd. Teach us Your ways for our church today. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
"Adonai speaks to Moshe in the Sinai Desert.. " this book begins. It is not more of the Law.. not more of the Tabernacle requirements or sacrifices.. but very practical instructions for this vast sea of people.
First of all, the Lord calls a man from every tribe to be the leader of that tribe. God Himself called each of them by name.
Next, He sent them among the people to count and record the name of every man 20 years old and up... all who would serve as military men.
The only ones not included in this list were the Levites, who were given the responsibility for the Tabernacle.
Then, the Lord assigned an order of camping and moving for each tribe:
Three tribes camped to the east, three to the south, three to the west, and three to the north, surrounding the tabernacle and the tribe of Levi. When they traveled, the tribes to the east would start out first.. Judah at the head, Issachar and Zebulun with them. Then, those to the south, Reuben, Simeon, and Gad would follow.
Nestled in-between these 2 groups and the last 2 groups would be the Levites with the tabernacle and its furniture, which they carried. Following them would come the west side group of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Benjamin. Then bringing up the end would be the north side group of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali.
The largest groups were at the front and at the rear of the column traveling. The tabernacle was set in the middle and protected on all sides. All this was done exactly as the Lord directed. Very practical and organized.
We are reminded of a few truths here.. God knew who would be the best leader for each tribe. He called them by name. They took part in the census of their own tribesmen. They were respected and trusted. Being given a place.. a responsibility.. a position.. is important to people. Organization is so much better than random chaos!
Also, the Lord made the Place of His Presence in the center.. in the heart of His people. It was protected and valued. The significance of this position tells us that this was to be the priority of all their lives.
Makes me think about how we view the church. The Bible calls the church the "Bride of Christ". Valued and cherished by Jesus, who died for her.. for us. Yet, do we cherish.. protect.. and value the church like we should? Not just the building.. which we should treat kindly and care for willingly.. but the body of believers that we worship along-side of.. Do we encourage and share the burdens of our brothers and sisters that walk along this journey with us? Do we guard the center of our fellowship.. our pastors and teachers? Should we? Is there a lesson here in Numbers for the church in America?
Father, lead us in Your paths that we might walk together as You ordain us to walk. Bring leaders to head up our congregations. Bring those in who will protect Your Presence and Your Word. Preserve us. Refine us. Fill us. Unite us in Christ Jesus our Good Shepherd. Teach us Your ways for our church today. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
John 20-21 Although Mary Magdalene was the first to discover the empty tomb, and Peter the first to enter, it is John who is the first to believe. John writes, " In the presence of the disciples, Jesus performed many other miracles which have not been recorded in this book. But these which have been recorded are here so that you may trust that Yeshua is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by this trust you may have life because of who he is." (20:31)
John ends his account of the life of Jesus with an event by the sea of Galilee. As they were out fishing, Jesus called to them from on shore. When he told them to cast their net and they caught a huge haul of fish instantly.. he knew it was the Lord. It is Peter that jumps in the water to get to Jesus as quick as he can. John records the interchange between Jesus and Peter, where Peter is accepted and restored, and commissioned. John also writes that the world cannot contain all the books that would have to be written to tell of all that Jesus did while He walked on earth.
Father, we thank You for the written Word of God that we might trust in Jesus, the anointed One, the Son of God, so that we might have life that is eternal. One day, we will be able to see Jesus and talk with Him like the apostles did. We look forward to that glorious day. Help us to persevere until then.. loving You with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. Fill us with Your Spirit that we might bear fruit and shine the true Light into this needy world. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen .
John ends his account of the life of Jesus with an event by the sea of Galilee. As they were out fishing, Jesus called to them from on shore. When he told them to cast their net and they caught a huge haul of fish instantly.. he knew it was the Lord. It is Peter that jumps in the water to get to Jesus as quick as he can. John records the interchange between Jesus and Peter, where Peter is accepted and restored, and commissioned. John also writes that the world cannot contain all the books that would have to be written to tell of all that Jesus did while He walked on earth.
Father, we thank You for the written Word of God that we might trust in Jesus, the anointed One, the Son of God, so that we might have life that is eternal. One day, we will be able to see Jesus and talk with Him like the apostles did. We look forward to that glorious day. Help us to persevere until then.. loving You with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. Fill us with Your Spirit that we might bear fruit and shine the true Light into this needy world. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen .
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
John 19
They flogged Him. They put a crown of thorns on His head. They put a purple robe on Him. They punched Him in the face. They put Him to death.. on a stake. On a cross.
I recently read an excerpt from a sermon by Charles Spurgeon that has stuck with me...
They flogged Him. They put a crown of thorns on His head. They put a purple robe on Him. They punched Him in the face. They put Him to death.. on a stake. On a cross.
I recently read an excerpt from a sermon by Charles Spurgeon that has stuck with me...
"After the first humans sinned, God cursed the Earth.
When Christ came into the world, evil people twisted a crown
made of cursed thorn, put it on his head and made him
the king of the Curse, and in that day he purchased
the redemption of the world from its curse."
John takes care to explain that the things that Jesus did, even in His last hour.. His last minutes...before and after His death.. . were done to complete the Word:
His clothes divided. ( Psalm 22:18)
The sour wine offered for His thirst. ( Psalm 61:21)
His bones not broken. ( Psalm 34:20)
His side pierced. ( Zechariah 12:10)
Joseph and Nicodemus took His body, prepared it, and placed it in a new tomb.
Jesus.. "knowing that all things had accomplished their purpose" ... said, "It is accomplished " and gave up His spirit.
The cross.. we call it "wonderful".. we are thankful for it.. we come to it... for there our Savior accomplished the will of the Father, so that we might be redeemed, forgiven, cleansed, and made complete.
"Praised be Adonai, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah,
who in the Messiah has blessed us
with every spiritual blessing in heaven.
In the Messiah he chose us in love before the creation of the universe
to be holy and without defect in his presence.
He determined in advance that through Yeshua the Messiah we would be
his sons - in keeping with his pleasure and purpose-
so that we would bring him praise commensurate with the
glory of the grace he gave us through the Beloved One.
In union with him, through the shedding of his blood,
we are set free -
our sins are forgiven;
this accords with the wealth of the grace
he has lavished on us... "
Ephesians 1: 3-8
Father in heaven, we love You and adore You. We are awestruck by this amazing plan that You prepared and carried out.. that we might know Your glory and grace. Hallelujah!
Thank You. Amen.
Monday, March 9, 2020
John 18 Judah comes to the garden with a detachment of Roman soldiers and temple guards. Jesus asks them, "Whom do you want?" They wanted "Jesus of Nazareth". They got "I AM".
Jesus goes willingly. He will drink the "cup the Father " has chosen for Him. He will complete the mission that the Father sent Him to do.
" The reason I was born, the reason I have come into the world, is to bear witness to the truth." Jesus tells Pilate. He came to proclaim the truth. Yes, He is a king. But not a king like those of this world. " .. my kingship does not come from here." As the "I AM" Jesus has proclaimed the Truth :
I am... " He who comes from above.. " ( John 3:31)
I am.. the Messiah.. (John 4:26;) the One who gives living water.
I am.. the One sent by the Father; the One who does only what the Father wants. (John 5:17-30)
"I am the bread which is life.." (John 6:34)
I am the source of living water.. "If anyone is thirsty, let him keep coming to me and drinking!" (John 7:37)
"I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light which gives light." ( John 8:12 and 9:5)
" I am the gate.. I am the good shepherd.. " (John 10: 7-11)
" I am the Resurrection and the Life! Whoever puts his trust in me will live, even if he dies; and everyone living and trusting in me will never die." ( John 11:25)
" I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who trusts in me might not remain in the dark." ( John 12: 46)
" I am the Way - and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me. " ( John 14: 6)
"I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. " ( John 15:1)
Jesus came so that we could know the "one true God" and the One He sent.. "Yeshua the Messiah".
He came to "bear witness to the truth."
Every word He spoke was for this purpose. He miracle He did was for this purpose.
This is His greatest desire for each and every person.
Father, we are so thankful for this Truth, for Jesus, Your only begotten Son, who came to show us the Truth and to give us Life. Please continue to bring Light to our world that we might all come to know You.. the only True God. I pray for lost loved ones, Gracious Lord, that You will unveil their eyes.. that they also would come into the Light of Jesus. I ask it in His Name, Amen.
Jesus goes willingly. He will drink the "cup the Father " has chosen for Him. He will complete the mission that the Father sent Him to do.
" The reason I was born, the reason I have come into the world, is to bear witness to the truth." Jesus tells Pilate. He came to proclaim the truth. Yes, He is a king. But not a king like those of this world. " .. my kingship does not come from here." As the "I AM" Jesus has proclaimed the Truth :
I am... " He who comes from above.. " ( John 3:31)
I am.. the Messiah.. (John 4:26;) the One who gives living water.
I am.. the One sent by the Father; the One who does only what the Father wants. (John 5:17-30)
"I am the bread which is life.." (John 6:34)
I am the source of living water.. "If anyone is thirsty, let him keep coming to me and drinking!" (John 7:37)
"I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light which gives light." ( John 8:12 and 9:5)
" I am the gate.. I am the good shepherd.. " (John 10: 7-11)
" I am the Resurrection and the Life! Whoever puts his trust in me will live, even if he dies; and everyone living and trusting in me will never die." ( John 11:25)
" I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who trusts in me might not remain in the dark." ( John 12: 46)
" I am the Way - and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me. " ( John 14: 6)
"I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. " ( John 15:1)
Jesus came so that we could know the "one true God" and the One He sent.. "Yeshua the Messiah".
He came to "bear witness to the truth."
Every word He spoke was for this purpose. He miracle He did was for this purpose.
This is His greatest desire for each and every person.
Father, we are so thankful for this Truth, for Jesus, Your only begotten Son, who came to show us the Truth and to give us Life. Please continue to bring Light to our world that we might all come to know You.. the only True God. I pray for lost loved ones, Gracious Lord, that You will unveil their eyes.. that they also would come into the Light of Jesus. I ask it in His Name, Amen.
Friday, March 6, 2020
John 16-17 Jesus prepares His disciples for what is about to happen.
He tells them that He is going away but will be back.
He tells them that He is going to send them a Counselor.
He tells them that they are loved by the Father and that they can ask the Father anything in His name.
And then.. He prays. And what a prayer!
Jesus prays that He might be glorified as He was before creation.
He prays that He may glorify the Father by completing the work He was given to do.
He glorifies the Father by making His name known.
He is glorified by the ones that God has given Him.. the ones who have "eternal life".. that know the Father and the Son.. that have kept the Word.. that have trusted and loved Jesus.
Jesus prays for the Father to "guard them (us) by the power of [His] name".. to keep them.. to protect them (us) from the Evil one.. to unite them (us) together with Himself "so that the world may believe that you sent me."
Jesus prays for us.. for all who come to believe through the Word.. that we all are united as one.. and that we will be where He is.. to see His glory.
Father, our prayer is that You will complete our joy by answering the prayer of our Lord once again.. for this generation of believers. We pray also that the world will come to believe that You sent Jesus and that we might make Your name known. To the glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ, it is in His name we pray. Amen.
He tells them that He is going away but will be back.
He tells them that He is going to send them a Counselor.
He tells them that they are loved by the Father and that they can ask the Father anything in His name.
And then.. He prays. And what a prayer!
Jesus prays that He might be glorified as He was before creation.
He prays that He may glorify the Father by completing the work He was given to do.
He glorifies the Father by making His name known.
He is glorified by the ones that God has given Him.. the ones who have "eternal life".. that know the Father and the Son.. that have kept the Word.. that have trusted and loved Jesus.
Jesus prays for the Father to "guard them (us) by the power of [His] name".. to keep them.. to protect them (us) from the Evil one.. to unite them (us) together with Himself "so that the world may believe that you sent me."
Jesus prays for us.. for all who come to believe through the Word.. that we all are united as one.. and that we will be where He is.. to see His glory.
Father, our prayer is that You will complete our joy by answering the prayer of our Lord once again.. for this generation of believers. We pray also that the world will come to believe that You sent Jesus and that we might make Your name known. To the glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ, it is in His name we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
John 15 Jesus is the true vine. Life is in the vine and the branches receive that life as long as they remain attached. It is the only way for fruit to grow. Jesus says that we need to "stay united" with Him. Stay in His love by obeying His command to love one another. He chose us to be fruit bearers.
Again, Jesus tells us that when we are united with Him.. when His Word is in us.. that we can "ask whatever [we] want, and it will happen.. " Ask the Father in His name.. and He will give it.. so we can go and bear lasting fruit.
We need to know that this is only possible for those that have come out of the world and no longer belong to the world. The world will hate the fruit bearers. The world will persecute us and hate us.
As Jesus has said before, they love the darkness.. because they don't want to give up their sinful deeds that are done in darkness. So, they hate the light that exposes sin as sin..
This is our world today. They don't want to hear that abortion is murder. They don't want to hear that homosexuality is sin. They want to do what they want without anyone "judging" them. They don't want to hear that they have already been judged by God and that their only hope is redemption through Jesus Christ.
Father in heaven, protect Your church and purify her from the lies of this world. Bring the Truth back to the center of Your people and help us to stand firm, resisting evil, in the Your Strength. Be glorified in Your church as Your love flows in us and through us, so that we can bear fruit that is eternal. We ask You for workers to be sent into the harvest fields.. that many more will come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, the only Way, Truth, and Life. It is in His Name we ask this. Amen.
Again, Jesus tells us that when we are united with Him.. when His Word is in us.. that we can "ask whatever [we] want, and it will happen.. " Ask the Father in His name.. and He will give it.. so we can go and bear lasting fruit.
We need to know that this is only possible for those that have come out of the world and no longer belong to the world. The world will hate the fruit bearers. The world will persecute us and hate us.
As Jesus has said before, they love the darkness.. because they don't want to give up their sinful deeds that are done in darkness. So, they hate the light that exposes sin as sin..
This is our world today. They don't want to hear that abortion is murder. They don't want to hear that homosexuality is sin. They want to do what they want without anyone "judging" them. They don't want to hear that they have already been judged by God and that their only hope is redemption through Jesus Christ.
Father in heaven, protect Your church and purify her from the lies of this world. Bring the Truth back to the center of Your people and help us to stand firm, resisting evil, in the Your Strength. Be glorified in Your church as Your love flows in us and through us, so that we can bear fruit that is eternal. We ask You for workers to be sent into the harvest fields.. that many more will come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, the only Way, Truth, and Life. It is in His Name we ask this. Amen.
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
John 14 Love this translation.. " Don't let yourselves be disturbed. Trust in God and trust in me."
We live in a world of disturbances - political rancor; coronavirus panic; social schisms; international mistrust.. etc. It is easy to be disturbed. To be troubled. Yet, Jesus gives us the solution - Faith.
We can trust Jesus because of who He is. Here in this sacred conversation with His disciples, Jesus gives us the truths that we can cling to.. that we can trust fully!
We can trust that Jesus is preparing a place for us so that we can be with Him. v 2-4
We can trust Jesus because He is "the Way and the Truth and the Life." v6
We can trust Jesus because through Him we can come to the Father, know the Father, and see the Father. v7-11
We can trust Jesus that when we ask for something in His name, He will do it. v13
We can trust Jesus because He sent us the Spirit of Truth to be with us forever. v15
We trust Jesus by doing what He has commanded, which shows our love for Him. v21
We can trust Jesus when He tells us that by abiding in and obeying His words.. we will know the Father's love for us. v 23
We can trust Jesus who gives us peace that is supernatural, from God Himself. v27
We can trust Jesus because He perfectly obeyed the Father's command.. to the cross. v30
Father in heaven, may we hear the voice of the Counselor, teaching us all the things that Jesus says to us. May we know You more and abide in Your Word and in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. May we trust and obey. Grant us Your shalom.. Your Peace in a world full of disturbances. We place our lives in Your powerful and unfailing Hands. Hold us close and be glorified in our lives as we love You and obey Your word. Help us we pray.. asking in Jesus' name. Amen.
We live in a world of disturbances - political rancor; coronavirus panic; social schisms; international mistrust.. etc. It is easy to be disturbed. To be troubled. Yet, Jesus gives us the solution - Faith.
We can trust Jesus because of who He is. Here in this sacred conversation with His disciples, Jesus gives us the truths that we can cling to.. that we can trust fully!
We can trust that Jesus is preparing a place for us so that we can be with Him. v 2-4
We can trust Jesus because He is "the Way and the Truth and the Life." v6
We can trust Jesus because through Him we can come to the Father, know the Father, and see the Father. v7-11
We can trust Jesus that when we ask for something in His name, He will do it. v13
We can trust Jesus because He sent us the Spirit of Truth to be with us forever. v15
We trust Jesus by doing what He has commanded, which shows our love for Him. v21
We can trust Jesus when He tells us that by abiding in and obeying His words.. we will know the Father's love for us. v 23
We can trust Jesus who gives us peace that is supernatural, from God Himself. v27
We can trust Jesus because He perfectly obeyed the Father's command.. to the cross. v30
Father in heaven, may we hear the voice of the Counselor, teaching us all the things that Jesus says to us. May we know You more and abide in Your Word and in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. May we trust and obey. Grant us Your shalom.. Your Peace in a world full of disturbances. We place our lives in Your powerful and unfailing Hands. Hold us close and be glorified in our lives as we love You and obey Your word. Help us we pray.. asking in Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, March 2, 2020
John 13
"Having loved his own people in the world, he loved them to the end." v1b
Jesus knew that Judas was about to betray him.
He knew that "the Father had put everything in his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God."
He washed their feet to set an example for them to follow.. "If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
He tells them that one of them is going to betray Him.
He hands the bread to Judas who then leaves.
And then.. He gives them the final commandment:
"I am giving you a new command: that you keep on loving each other. In the same way that I have loved you, you are to keep loving each other."
He has more to say on this final night together before the cross. But, this is the most important -
Love. Serve. Love.
He "loved them to the end." He loved Judas even though He knew that the betrayal was coming.
He loved Peter, even though He knew the denial was coming. He loved them all... knowing they would be scattered. His love never ended. It took Him to the cross.. into the tomb.. and out again!
He loved them even after He ascended to heaven, sending His Spirit to them as He promised.
Love like this.. He tells them... and us.
Love even when they betray you or deny you.. or leave you.
Serve, with humility and kindness.
Live like Jesus would.. knowing He is in you and will help you to do all things by His power and strength.
Father, Help us, for we are weak, but You are strong. May the Love of Christ be found in us and flow through us. May we love one another.. as Jesus has loved us.. to the end. And then for eternity.
We ask this in His name. amen.
"Having loved his own people in the world, he loved them to the end." v1b
Jesus knew that Judas was about to betray him.
He knew that "the Father had put everything in his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God."
He washed their feet to set an example for them to follow.. "If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
He tells them that one of them is going to betray Him.
He hands the bread to Judas who then leaves.
And then.. He gives them the final commandment:
"I am giving you a new command: that you keep on loving each other. In the same way that I have loved you, you are to keep loving each other."
He has more to say on this final night together before the cross. But, this is the most important -
Love. Serve. Love.
He "loved them to the end." He loved Judas even though He knew that the betrayal was coming.
He loved Peter, even though He knew the denial was coming. He loved them all... knowing they would be scattered. His love never ended. It took Him to the cross.. into the tomb.. and out again!
He loved them even after He ascended to heaven, sending His Spirit to them as He promised.
Love like this.. He tells them... and us.
Love even when they betray you or deny you.. or leave you.
Serve, with humility and kindness.
Live like Jesus would.. knowing He is in you and will help you to do all things by His power and strength.
Father, Help us, for we are weak, but You are strong. May the Love of Christ be found in us and flow through us. May we love one another.. as Jesus has loved us.. to the end. And then for eternity.
We ask this in His name. amen.
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