Week 10 Review

March 4 Numbers 29-32

March 5 Numbers 33-36

March 6 Deuteronomy 1-3

March 7 Deuteronomy 4-7

March 8 Deuteronomy 8-11

March 9 Deuteronomy 12-15

We finished Numbers this week. At the end of the week we read about vows. Maybe you wondered why single or married women’s vows could be canceled by a husband or father, but a man’s were not cancellable. Seems sort of unfair, doesn’t it ladies? And gentlemen -- what a responsibility you had! But when we step back to remember that  God made male and female roles, and He made the man as a covering, a leader for us women. So, if a woman was subject to a man’s authority (and a widowed or divorced woman was not), then the man could step in to help a woman who spoke rashly. From our American 21^st century perspective it seems sexist, but it’s the way God designed things.

Moving along, the Exodus was recapped, as was God’s reminder that the Israelites were to drive out the inhabitants of the land. He wanted His people to be a separate people and not intermingle with foreigners. He wanted them to remain pure to the ways He had set down. He wanted them to be set apart as His chosen ones. He was fulfilling His promises to them, and He wanted them to fulfill their promises to Him.

See, I have set the land before you. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them and to their offspring after them.’ Deut 1:8 (ESV)

God recapped His wonderful promises to the people.  He reminded them that He was there for them, but He also showed them that if they disobeyed, there would be consequences.

“When you father children and children’s children, and have grown old in the land, if you act corruptly by making a carved image in the form of anything, and by doing what is evil in the sight of the Lord your God, so as to provoke him to anger, 26 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that you will soon utterly perish from the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess. You will not live long in it, but will be utterly destroyed. 27 And the Lord will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be left few in number among the nations where the Lord will drive you. 28 And there you will serve gods of wood and stone, the work of human hands, that neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. 29  But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. 30 When you are in tribulation, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, you will return to the Lord your God and obey his voice. 31 For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them. Deut 4:25 -31 (ESV)

What precious promises! That’s exactly what did happen to Israel. They were scattered for many years, and within some of our lifetimes, God brought the nation back into existence. He remembers His covenants and His promises. If He can bring 2 million people out of bondage and bring them into a new land hundreds of miles away (without a GPS, map, or the need to ask directions), if He can give them daily food and water, and if He can protect them while they are scattered around the globe – can He help you with your problems today?

Deuteronomy is one of the most-quoted texts in the New Testament.  Did you notice the verse that Jesus quotes to when asked about the greatest commandment?

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deut 6:5 (ESV)

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. Matt 22:36-38 (ESV)

Why do you think that God spent so much time telling the people to turn away from idols; to turn from the way of the people; to turn only to Him? What temptations do you think the Israelites might have seen that we would see today? How did their society compare to ours? 

Jesus quoted Deuteronomy when He was being tempted in the wilderness:

And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deut 8:3 (ESV)

“If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Matt 4:3-4 (ESV)

God reiterates precious promises – and warnings – to His people.

“And if you will indeed obey my commandments that I command you today, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, 14  he will give the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the later rain, that you may gather in your grain and your wine and your oil. 15  And he will give grass in your fields for your livestock, and you shall eat and be full. 16 Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them; 17 then the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you, and he will shut up the heavens, so that there will be no rain, and the land will yield no fruit, and you will perish quickly off the good land that the Lord is giving you. Deut 11:13-17 (ESV)

As I read this passage I was saddened that the Israelites couldn’t seem to stay in God’s good graces long enough to receive the bounty of His promises. But then I began to think about my own sin-riddled life. I live under His promise as well. How well do I keep the law (we are not under the law in Christ, but the commandments God set forth are the rules He wants us to live by(  – starting with that first and greatest commandment? It’s easy to look back with disdain and say that we would have behaved differently. In reality, though, I’m just like them!

Finally, God had a long discussion with the people about temptation. He reminded them that proper worship is where and how God chooses, not where and how we choose. He told the people to stay away from other religions and to refrain from even asking how they worship, lest their curiosity would turn their hearts from Him. He reminds the people that they should only worship Him, even if they experienced peer pressure. Those commands hold even today! You may be tempted to look at this religion – or that ministry – that seems to promise something you don’t see in Christianity. Please stay away! The God Who covenanted with Israel and sent His only begotten Son to die for you so that you can receive the free gift of salvation tells us that looking at any other religion is sin which can lead you into idolatry.

As we read through the Bible, I hope you notice that things haven’t changed all that much since the fall. People kill, rape, lie, cheat, steal, turn from God and create idols. We have been offered a free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ if we choose to turn to him. Friend, if you have not yet received  the free gift of God, do it today! Accept the fact that you are a sinner and separated from the God of the universe. Acknowledge that His Son, Jesus Christ, came to earth, born of a virgin, leading a sinless life, and choosing to walk to Calvary to die. He would have died just for you because He loves you so much. Telll Him that you are sorry for the sins you’ve committed and ask Him to forgive you. He promises that no matter what you have done, He WILL forgive! Once you’ve accepted His free gift of salvation, tell someone! Email me – write the pastor – tell a friend! You’ve been saved from hell! Then go to church and study His Word to learn more about what the Christian walk looks like. You will learn that church members are just like you. We still sin. We still struggle. We still complain and get angry at God. We still hurt. But under all the humanness you see, you’ll see something else, as well. You’ll see us trying to live by the greatest commandment. You’ll see us helping each other instead of cutting each other down. You’ll see grace.

Did anything in particular stand out for you? Do you have insights from this week’s reading that you would be willing to share? I look forward to hearing from you. Please email me with questions or with comments. This is a forum for people to learn more about the Bible, and there is no “dumb” question.

See you next week!

Week 7 - Leviticus 8-10 - 17 February

Today we begin our readings by seeing the consecration of Aaron and his sons. As always, the ceremony is rich in meaning.

They had all been to the altar and been cleansed. The ceremony begins by Moses cleansing them this reminds us that we need to be not only forgiven, but we also need regeneration and cleansing.

…even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Eph 5:25-27 (KJV)

After the priests have been cleansed, they are clothed. This is a picture of our High Priest, Jesus Christ.  The priest was then clothed in seven different garments:

The robe of white linen. White symbolizes purity, and the covering was symbolic of the priest’s holiness before the Lord.

The girdle. This was a belt-like item that kept the robe close to the priest’s body and symbolized readiness for service.

The robe was a highly embellished item which showed  his position. Only the High Priest wore this garment.

The embroidered coat covered most of the high priest’s robe.

The Curious girdle was a linen belt designed to keep everything close to the body.

Next was the breastplate with the Urim and Thummim (lights and perfections). This was a fabric about nine inches square, set with twelve different jewels. Its two upper corners had gold rings, which connected it to the shoulder pieces. It was fastened to the girdle with blue ribbons. The twelve jewels stood for the twelve tribes of Israel, and each jewel had upon it the name of its tribe. They were the most precious things belonging to the priest's attire. Some say that the law was written upon them.

And finally, there was the turban with a gold front and the inscription HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

What an amazing garment! What an awesome responsibility was placed on the shoulders of the High Priest. Can you imagine the pomp and ceremony? These garments distinguished the high priest—the only person who could enter the Holy of Holies.

After the priests were consecrated, the tabernacle was anointed with oil. Not only did the items of the tabernacle get anointed, but Aaron also had oil “poured” onto his body and his garments. This speaks of sanctification; setting apart for the service of God.

As I was working through this area of Scripture I had to stop and think about whether the sanctification I received at salvation shows in my life as it did in the priests’ lives. Can people see Jesus in me? Obviously, I am neither a priest nor a high priest, but I am an Ambassador for Christ. At my salvation, heaven rejoiced as Jesus’ blood cleansed me of my sins. At my baptism, my church family rejoiced as I was ceremonially regenerated in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Do I show that entrance into God’s Holy family today? Or is it just another ho-hum day, filled with lots of activities and the “obligation” to read through my Bible? I know that I need to alter parts of my life … how about you?

After the priests were consecrated, they bring a bullock for a sacrifice and a ram of consecration.  This reminds us – as it did them – that there needed to be a shedding of blood for the remission of sins. The priests had to sacrifice animals for their sins. Today, the blood of Jesus cleanses all of our sins.

The priests were told specifically how to eat their portions of the sacrifices. They include an injunction to burn up anything left over. Nothing was to be wasted or kept. All must be consumed. Likewise, we need to feed on the Word of God until nothing is left!

The High Priests of old were to be on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our High Priest is also available for us 24/7. What a great picture of Jesus was painted during this first consecration ceremony!

After the beautiful consecration ceremonies, when the people drew near to God as He gave them their first High Priest for the tabernacle, we see the sin nature come out in force. Back in Exodus, the people were told not to make any incense that wasn’t authorized by God.

The Lord said to Moses, “Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal part), 35 and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy. 36 You shall beat some of it very small, and put part of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting where I shall meet with you. It shall be most holy for you. 37 And the incense that you shall make according to its composition, you shall not make for yourselves. It shall be for you holy to the Lord. 38  Whoever makes any like it to use as perfume shall be cut off from his people.” Ex 30:34-38 (ESV)

Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s sons and consecrated priests, decided to worship their own way. They went against God’s commandment regarding appropriate incense.  God showed the Israelites that His commands needed to be obeyed – wholly – or there are consequences. Lightning killed those two young men instantaneously. God tells us that not only are we to be obedient, but worship must be done in His good order!

I wonder if Nadab and Abihu acted under alcohol’s influence when they worshiped wrongly? God wants us to come to Him with a clear head and a penitent heart. I can’t imagine any other reason that God would include 10:8-11!

Has Leviticus surprised you so far? There is richness in all of God’s Word as we delve below the surface. I look forward to finishing this wonderful book next week.  There will be no wrap up this week or next as I continue daily outlines. May God richly bless His day – and your service to Him through this weekend.

We can read through the Bible in 2012 – together!

Week 7 - Leviticus - 16 February

The first few verses today deal with trespass sins (of course the sins listed are merely examples0. Trespass is the invasion of the rights of others. It is sin as an intentional act. We sin because we are sinners – that’s our nature.

For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:7-8 (ESV)

The first sin is a sin of omission – a person who withholds truth to the detriment of another. It’s telling the facts, but not the entire truth. Have you ever told the truth but not the whole truth?

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17 (ESV)

If a man sins against his neighbor and is made to take an oath and comes and swears his oath before your altar in this house, 32 then hear in heaven and act and judge your servants, condemning the guilty by bringing his conduct on his own head, and vindicating the righteous by rewarding him according to his righteousness. 1 Kings 8:31-32 (ESV)

The next sin mentioned is the law of uncleanness. A dead carcass caused uncleanness by contact. And today we know that:

The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 (KJV)

Today, we need to worry about our own “dead carcasses”. What do you see on the television that causes you to envy? Do you turn your eyes away from that guy/girl who looks “sexy”? Do you listen to “dirty” jokes and laugh along with them? Your music – is it uplifting to God, or do you listen to songs of lust, divorce, affairs, drunkenness and immorality? Some of these sins may be obvious, but with other sins, we may not even realize what we’re doing. We should always make sure that we ask God to forgive the sins we know about – and those we don’t!

Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Psalm 19:12 (ESV)

The third sin listed is breaking our promises (oath). How many times have you made a rash statement? Think of Simon Peter – promising Jesus he would not deny Him, but doing so three times before the night ended.  Do you ever tell Jesus that you will follow Him through thick and thin, and then decide not to go to church because it’s raining, or cold, or you’re too busy? Do you tell your kids that you’ll play ball after work and then get home and tell them that you’re too tired? We really need to think about what we say before we say it. Not only does our rash promise hurt a loved one, it is sin in God’s Book!

What does God command when we sin? Confession. We are to confess our sins to God. We don’t have to bring a goat, turtledove, or bread for sacrifice.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (ESV)

In chapter 6-7 we find the laws considering deliberate sins: theft, dealing dishonestly, playing ‘finders, keepers’. Not only was the property to be restored, but     a 20% penalty AND a sin offering was added! These sins are “against the LORD”. A sin against others is a sin against God. I am thankful that I do not have to bring an offering to God through a priest every time I sin against God!

The burnt offering was kept on all night to make sure that everything was consumed as GOD required. I never really thought much about this until now – if there were a couple million people in the camp, there were LOTS of bulls and rams offered every day; the fire would have to be maintained all night.

This continual fire speaks to us of the continual consecration we receive in Christ. We are to offer ourselves a living sacrifice to God. Fortunately, we don’t have to get on a literal fire, we just need to obey!

Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 1 Sam 15:22 (ESV)

Why did God require specific garments when the priest was carrying the altar ashes outside of the camp? Because God wants our flesh to be covered! Linen represents purity – and likewise, we are to be clothed in linen as we approach God. The ashes represent our sin, of course, and taking the ashes out of the camp reminds us that we are to take our ‘ashes’ out of our own lives. The fire shall never be quenched, just as we should always allow Jesus to refine us with His perfect fire.

Note that a tenth of the meal offering was to be given to the priests, and in turn, the priests were to offer a tenth back to God. What a picture! It reminds us that no matter who we are – rich or poor, new Christian or worship leader or teacher or church volunteer or preacher – we are all accountable to give our portion of our earnings back to God.

In Chapter 7 we see details of the priests’ responsibilities in the trespass and peace offerings. This is a picture of their service, and reflects the service that Christ has done and is doing for us today – at God’s right hand (1 John 1:9).

The peace offering is a freewill offering – an offering of thanksgiving. Likewise, we are to be continually thankful to God. A complaining, criticizing Christian is in no position to worship God!

Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name. 16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb 13:15-16 (ASV)

Why is leaven included in this offering, when leaven represents sin? Because in this offering, we are in view. We have peace through our Savior, not through works and in sinless perfection. This offering represents us, with all our imperfections! How wonderful it is that we can come in thanksgiving, imperfect, and because of Jesus, we are pleasing God. The peace offering was to be eaten without delay. This reminds us to stay close to Christ. He gives peace to His own. God tells us:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:4-7 (ESV)

Rejoice! God is in the details. Be thankful for your many blessings. Are you thankful that you can come directly to Jesus without need to sacrifice? Jesus paid it all for you. If you do not know Him, you can accept His free gift today. How? Believe, confess! If you want to know more, ask the pastor – or email me.

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10:8-11 (ESV)

See you tomorrow. We can read through the Bible in 2012 – together!