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!
Thursday, September 11, 2014
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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