Day 149: Numbers 36

Inheritance - Keep it in the Family

SCRIPTURE LINK: Numbers 36

BACKGROUND:
In Numbers 27:1-8 we read about the five daughters of Zelophehad who came to Moses to ask an inheritance question. Zelophehad had died without any sons, and his daughters thought they should receive the inheritance. God agreed, and Zelophehad's possessions were transferred to his daughters.

Now, in chapter 36, Zelophehad's family has another question. Since the daughters of Zelophehad are to receive an inheritance, they will inherit their father's portion of the land. Whenever they get married, whatever land they own will become the property of their husbands, thus transferring the land to their families. If, down through the ages, women who held titles to land kept marrying into other tribes, the land of some tribes would be diminished while others would increase. So the Lord commanded that a woman who is in such a situation must marry a man within her own tribe. This would prevent the permanent transfer of land from one tribe to another.

REFLECTION:
Just as the Israelites received an inheritance of land that would be passed down from generation to generation, as a believer, I have received an inheritance through Jesus. My inheritance is not land but is faith and salvation and a place reserved in heaven. I can also pass that inheritance to others by telling them about salvation through Jesus. I have children, so I can teach and lead them so that they can receive the same inheritance, thus passing it down to the next generation. Peter describes our inheritance in 1 Peter 1:3-5.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Our inheritance is better than land. It is not perishable, is undefiled, and will not fade away.

APPLICATION:
Spend some time today contemplating the inheritance you have received as a child of God. As you consider the various aspects of your inheritance, thank and praise God for all He has given you.

PRAYER:
Father, I praise you, for you have made me your child and accordingly given me an inheritance. It's a perfect inheritance that will last forever. Thank you for the faith you have given me. Use my faith to keep making me grow and to bring others to you. The salvation you have provided through Jesus is so rich that I don't even fully grasp it. Thank you for the hope I have because you have saved me and have secured a future for me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

CONGRATULATIONS!
You have finished another book of the Bible!

Day 142: Numbers 28

Regular Sacrifices

SCRIPTURE: Numbers 28

BACKGROUND:
Numbers 28 and 29 are a run-down of all the offerings and festivals Israel was to observe. The exact offering for each occasion is specified by God. Verse two is key where God says, "You shall be careful to present My offering, My food for My offerings by fire, of a soothing aroma to Me, at their appointed time."

God has established this sacrificial system in order to provide communion between Him and His people Israel. The relationship of the people with their God is dependent on their obedience in giving these regular offerings. The instructions are very specific and detailed.

I'm not going to list them here for you, but I think it would be beneficial to write out a list from today's chapter (and tomorrow's) of all the offerings God required. It helped me to see what God required (and to pay better attention to what I was reading ;) ).

REFLECTION:
We need to be intentional in our relationship to God. I think it is significant that God wanted an offering every morning and every evening. He calls it a "continual offering" and repeatedly says to do it every day. It never stops. Other offerings are added on special days, but they never replace the daily ones. Through the twice daily offerings, the people would always be aware of God's presence. Likewise, our communion with God is to be continual.

APPLICATION:
Are you continually aware of God's presence? Are you spending time with God daily? The purpose of this online Bible club is to provide a structure for spending time with God on a daily basis. Our time with God -- in His word and in prayer -- are the ways we connect with Him. It gives us the communion we need with our God. Make sure you take time daily, twice daily even, to commune with God.

PRAYER:
Father, we don't come to you through the blood of bulls and goats but through the blood of Jesus. You have given us continual access to you and allow us to come boldly before your throne. You have provided more than we could ever have hoped for even if that was all you had given us! Wow! to have the privilege of coming before the Creator God with praise as well as requests! Lord, let me continually be aware of your presence. Let me bring an offering of praise to you daily. What an incredible blessing it is to commune with the one true God! Let me not take it lightly, but learn to be intentional in spending time with you and continually commune with you and grow in you. Through Jesus, Amen.

Day 135: Numbers 22

SCRIPTURE: Numbers 22

BACKGROUND:
Israel is on the move, and Balak king of Moab is shaking in his boots. He has heard about the victories over the Amorites and Bashanites (chapter 21). So he decided to team up with the Midianites to ward off the Israelites. And for an extra measure of protection, he called in a prophet, or diviner, Balaam and asked him to curse the Israelites for him.

It is important to note that Balaam is not a true prophet of the LORD. He apparently recognized the God of Israel, but he did not align himself with God. Balaam would have liked to curse Israel and receive the large sum Balak offered him. But God would not allow him to do it and turned his curse into a blessing on Israel.

As you read this narrative, try to follow Balaam's thinking. Is he really obeying God with his heart? What can you learn of him by the way he treats his donkey and interacts with the angel? More of Balaam's character will be revealed in the coming chapters as well.

REFLECTION/APPLICATION:
Balaam is referred to in several other passages as one of the biggest examples of covetousness and deceit. He was willing to perform religious services for personal gain. Do I seek personal gain -- money, recognition, praise, power, position -- when I am "serving" God? If so, my only reward will be those things I receive from man. And I'm not really serving God but serving myself while deceiving those around me and trying to make myself look good.

PRAYER:
Lord, guard my heart against covetousness. Let me seek to serve you with pure motives and not be concerned about being rewarded by man. Help me to keep my focus on you and off of me. Amen.

Day 132: Psalms 28 - 29

READING: Psalm 28 and Psalm 29

BACKGROUND

Not much is known about the occasions of the writing of these two psalms. The text does state that they are from David.

REFLECTION

Today I am going to ask you some questions! I hope they’ll help you reflect on the psalms.

In Psalm 28 David prays for something and has it answered. What does he pray for (1 – 5) ? What is his response to answered prayer (6 – 9)?

David doesn’t want to live like the wicked. It’s surprising to me how he describes them.. The one sin named is not what we think of as a "biggie" like murder or adultery. What is the specific wrong named (3)? What do the wicked trust and how do they act (4-5)?

This psalm echoes Psalm 5, so read that for a slightly different spin on the same theme. In Psalm 28 David asks that God give the wicked what they deserve. And the one sin named, hypocrisy in friendship (3), is one that most of us can identify with. In fact, as I read Romans 12 with my daughter today, I noticed that we are told there, in verse 9, to “love without hypocrisy.” (Don’t you love it when you see the unity of God’s word?!) To be honest, these verses in Psalm 28 make me uncomfortable and yet I am glad that they are here. There are consequences to how we live life. David wants to live with integrity – to be the same on the outside and the inside. To put it in New Testament language, he wants to be transformed (Romans 12: 2)! He doesn’t want to be identified with those who don’t recognize and trust God’s work and ongoing care of us in this world (5). He recognizes that the consequences of not living for God, of not trusting Him and His work are fitting. Continuing to live apart from God on earth, the refusal to recognize God as God, involves self- deceit and inevitably leads to eternity apart from God. The consequences of humbly yielding to God and recognizing His work are God's mercy, help, and joy.


We are all sinners. God’s greatest work is that He came in the flesh to sacrifice Himself once and for all so that we can live abundantly – for Him – now and forever. Our only hope (as David himself recognizes) is in God. He ends the psalm in trust and praise. God is our helper, our strength, our savior, our shepherd. In fact, David ends the psalm by expanding his praise to include God’s people (8-9). If you have trusted in Jesus’ death for you, then you are included here! I am included here!

Psalm 29 is a powerful poem filled with figurative language and images. Try reading it out loud and think about the images used. What do they communicate about God? What characteristic stands out? What spiritual lessons are here regarding our response as His people?

I noticed in these two chapters all the images used of God and it made me think about what God has been compared to or called in Psalms so far. If you have time, go back and look at the images and descriptions used for God so far in Psalms. Here’s my list:

King
Shield
Judge
Mighty warrior
Creator
Refuge
Avenger
Counselor
Rock
Fortress
Deliverer
Strength
Horn of salvation, Salvation
Stronghold
Light
Guide
Redeemer
Holy
Rescuer
Shepherd
Owner of world
Teacher
Forgiver
Beautiful
Good
Powerful

Wow! I don’t know about you, but this gives me a reassuring perspective. This is probably not complete, just what I saw as I skimmed the first twenty-nine psalms. Many of these characteristics are mentioned quite often. What do you see?

As I skimmed I thought that I would also like to go through these psalms and list the characteristics of the godly or righteous as well as the characteristics of the wicked. So I’m going to do that in the next couple of weeks.

On a personal note – I am going to be away for about two weeks to help prepare for and celebrate my niece’s wedding! I will not have much access to internet, but I will be reading along in the Bible and look forward to catching up here when I return.

RESPONSE

How do I live? Do I live as if I am held in the hand of the God revealed in the Bible, in these psalms? Do I live for God or for myself?

Do I love without hypocrisy?

Let’s examine our own hearts and turn to God for forgiveness and mercy and help. Then, let’s obey from a heart full of love and praise to God!

PRAYER

LORD, our Shepherd King, our Rescuer and Refuge, thank you that your Word – all the many parts of it – magnify and complete each other. Thank you that we can see Jesus in every part. Help us to live our lives in You, resting in Your power and mercy and love. Show us our hearts and help us to love without hypocrisy. Work in the hearts of those around us, that they may recognize Your work as the giver and sustainer of life and serve You.

Day 128: Numbers 15

SCRIPTURE READING: Numbers 15

SUMMARY:
There is a distinction made here between intentional and unintentional sin. Both are still sin, but the consequences are different. When a man sins unintentionally, he can bring an offering or sacrifice to the LORD for atonement. However, when a man is defiant and sins intentionally, there is no atonement for him. He is to be taken outside the camp and killed.

I think an important key to this passage is verses 30-31.

But the person who does anything defiantly, whether he is native or an alien, that one is blaspheming the LORD; and that person shall be cut off from among his people. Because he has despised the word of the LORD and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt will be on him.

Let's look at what this person is doing. He is doing something defiantly and he has despised God's commands. The Hebrew word translated "defiantly" is a word that means "to raise, lift up, exalt oneself." The Hebrew word translated "despised" means "to hold in contempt, disdain." The problem, in essence, is the sin of pride.

When someone does that, he is blaspheming the LORD. Blasphemy is an attitude of heart. It is pride in self and defiance toward God and His commands. Whenever someone has contempt in his heart for God, he is committing the sin of blasphemy. It's a very serious sin and invites God's wrath.

REFLECTION:
God is not to be taken lightly. Our sins cannot be brushed off or ignored. God has graciously provided a means of atonement for us through Jesus. But we dare not disdain God's word or have an attitude of contempt toward God.

You might enjoy reading David's reflection in Psalm 32 .

RESPONSE:
Do I ever disdain God's word or act in defiance toward God? What about little things? Breaking the "little" rules? Making excuses for my wrong behavior and expecting God to overlook it? Refusing to admit when I'm wrong? These are indications of pride in my heart.

PRAYER:
Lord, you are a holy and righteous God who cannot tolerate sin. Yet you do not require offerings and sacrifices of me, rather a heart of humility. Thank you for providing atonement for me through Jesus. Guard my heart against pride, and let me delight in obeying you. Amen.

Day 125: Psalm 27

READING: Psalm 27

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY

David faced quite a bit of adversity and unfair treatment in his life. Accused of things he didn’t do, resented for motives he didn’t have, betrayed by people close to him - he was forced to run and hide. He wasn’t only slandered, but he was persecuted and hounded so much that his life was jeopardized. All that to say that this psalm comes from the heart of a man who understood fear and bewilderment and injustice.

REFLECTION

I love this psalm! It is exuberant and trusting while at the same time revealing very real concerns and fears. David faced those fears, he didn’t just shove them away and not think about them. At the same time he turned to the LORD in whom he trusted. It’s worth looking at what David did when he experienced unfairness and fear.

The psalm opens with several statements of truth. “The LORD is my light and my salvation;/ Whom shall I fear?/ The LORD is the strength of my life:/ Of whom shall I be afraid?” David belonged to God; he had placed his faith in the LORD, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, the Mighty God. That being so, how could he fear? He’s reminding himself that with God (the Creator of light) as his light (comfort, revealer of the way to walk), with God as his salvation (rescuer), with God as his strength (lifegiver and God of all might and power) – he truly has no reason to fear.

He lists his fears. He focuses on his priority – the one thing he longs for. What is it?

David has an appetite, a desire for God. He yearns for God. He wants to be near God. God is his ONE thing.

He reminds himself and God that he seeks God’s face and that God is his help. He asks again for mercy and care and guidance in the midst of those who want to hurt him and those who lie about and misrepresent him. He places his trust in the goodness of the God for whom he longs. In fact, if he hadn’t trusted that goodness, if he’d focused on those enemies, he would have lost heart.

The psalm ends in expectant hope. “Wait on the LORD;/ be of good courage,/ And He shall strengthen your heart;/ Wait, I say, on the LORD!” David found his courage in the character of his God and as he waited and reflected on God. As he waited in expectation his heart was strengthened.

APPLICATION

Here are some questions that I’ve asked myself as I’ve meditated on Psalm 27. Perhaps you will want to ask them yourself.

Who is the God I pray to? Do I make God in my image? Do I make Him less than He is?

If I belong to the God who made all that is, who sustains everything, who loves me so much that He came Himself to rescue me – then how can I fear anything? Really and truly there is NOTHING that He can’t handle. What happens to me is sifted through His strong and loving hand.

What do I long for? What do I most desire?

Perhaps sometimes I live in fear or wallow in self-pity or resentment because I have a divided heart. I want God, but only if I can please myself, too. If I long for God more than anything, there is nothing that I should fear. Even death can’t separate me from God. NOTHING can separate me from Him and His love. (For more on that read Romans 8: 35 – 39.)

Am I willing to wait on God, expectantly? Sometimes I want what I want NOW! But I wonder if the waiting, the focusing on God and who He is, the desire to be near Him – I wonder if that is where I am changed and taught and encouraged. I behold Him and as I behold Him I am made more like Him. I am freed from fear and I am shown the way to go.

PRAYER

Please be my one thing, Lord, the one thing I desire most. I long to know You and to be near You. Show me Your face and teach me Your way. Help me to turn to You when I am afraid or when I am bewildered or unfairly treated. Thank you for being my Light and Salvation and Strength. I wait with expectation on Your goodness.

Day 121: Numbers 7

SCRIPTURE: Numbers 7

SUMMARY:
The leaders of the tribes brought gifts to be used in the service of the tabernacle. First they brought oxen and carts for transporting the structure. These were given to the priests. Moses did not give any to the sons of Kohath, though, because their job was to transport the holy objects. These were the items that God told them to make with rings on the sides for poles to be inserted through. These articles would always be carried by the poles on the shoulders of the sons of Kohath, so they would not need carts.


Next the prince of each tribe brought gifts and offerings for the dedication of the altar. The list is exactly the same for each tribe:

• grain offerings -- one silver dish of 130 shekels (about 65 oz.) and one silver bowl of 70 shekels (about 35 oz.) each filled with fine flour mixed with oil
  
• burnt offerings -- one gold pan of 10 shekels (about 5 oz.) filled with incense, one bull, one ram, and one male lamb one year old
  
• sin offering -- one male goat
  
• peace (fellowship) offerings -- two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs one year old
  

REFLECTION & APPLICATION:
Why do you think it was significant that each tribe gave exactly the same thing for the dedication ceremony? Are there things you have that you dedicate to God for His service? Should you dedicate more?

PRAYER:
Lord, I want ALL of my life to be dedicated wholly to You -- not just Sunday mornings and bits and pieces of my life, time, money, abilities, etc. Let me be completely Yours. Because Jesus purchased me, Amen.

Day 119: Numbers 4

SCRIPTURE: Numbers 4

SUMMARY:
Levi had three sons, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. This chapter gives the details of what the descendants of those three were each responsible for doing when it comes time to move the tabernacle. The men between the ages of 30 and 50 were numbered and could officially serve in the tabernacle. Out of the 22,000 male Levites, 8580 were eligible to serve.

This ends the census. (sigh of relief for those with "numberphobia" ;) )

Keep Reading!!

Day 118: Psalm 26

READING: Psalm 26


BACKGROUND

We read last week, in Psalm 25, David’s humble prayer that God would forgive his iniquity and guide and teach him. He asked, “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in You.” (NIV) In this chapter David asks God to examine him, to see if that prayer was answered. He asserts his integrity, an integrity not based on his own merit, but on God’s mercy and help.

Some commentators believe that David was asking for God’s vindication or judgment here because he was being falsely accused and slandered.

REFLECTION

Do you hear the echoes of Psalm 1 here? “I do not sit with deceitful men, nor will I go with pretenders. I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked.” (vv. 4-5).

What does David focus on, look at? God’s love. (v. 3) What guides David? God’s truth. (v. 3) What does David talk about? What God has done! (v. 7) Where does David love to be? Near God in His house. (v. 8) David sums it up in v. 11: “ But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me.” Even as he continues to follow God with his whole heart he asks for God’s grace and redemption.

“Faith is the root and sap of integrity. He who leans upon the Lord is sure to walk in righteousness. … Faith trusts God to accomplish his own decrees. Why should I steal when God has promised to supply my need? Why should I avenge myself when I know that the Lord has espoused my cause? Confidence in God is a most effectual security against sin. Therefore I shall not slide.” Spurgeon

PRAYER

Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind. May Your love be ever before me and may I continually live in Your truth. As I walk before you with a heart and mind yielded to You, please show me grace and mercy.

Numbers 3 - Duties of the Levites

READING: Numbers 3

BACKGROUND:
In this chapter the arrangement and duties of the Levites were assigned.

• Moses with Aaron and his sons set up camp along the east side of the tabernacle.
• Sons of Kohath were on the south side.
• Gershon's sons occupied the west side.
• Merari's sons were on the north side.

Then God has Moses do some math!

At the Passover, God had spared the firstborn of all the Israelite families, but required that they all be dedicated to Him. So now they counted all the firstborn sons, age one month and older, and there were 22,273.

Rather than take each firstborn son into God's service, God assigned the tribe of Levi to take their place. So, they counted the tribe of Levi, and there were 22,000.

The Levites would take the place of all the firstborn sons of Israel, but there weren't quite enough of them. So the remaining 273 firstborns were ransomed at five shekels apiece.

REFLECTION: God is being very particular! You might think He would overlook the 273 extra firstborns. After all, it's not their fault they number more than the Levites. Who would notice 273 out of 22,000? I find it easy to rationalize that way. I have to be careful not to think lightly of what is due to God. All that I have and all that I am really belongs to Him for His service. I need to guard against keeping even a little bit for myself.

PRAYER:
Lord, You have ransomed me and made me Your own. Let me serve You with all that I am, all that I can do, all that I have. Amen.

Day 116: Numbers 2

SCRIPTURE READING: Numbers 2

SUMMARY:
In this chapter, God organizes the camp of Israel around the tabernacle.

• The tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun were to set up camp on the east side of the tabernacle and would set out first whenever Israel moved.
  
• On the south side were the camps of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad. They would move behind the first three tribes.
  
• The tabernacle with the Levites would follow next.
• Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin set up camp to the west of the tabernacle and followed behind the Levites.
• On the north side were Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. They would bring up the rear whenever Israel moved.

THOUGHTS:
There isn't a lot to this chapter, but it does demonstrate God's supremacy and sense of order. He arranged the Israelites around the tabernacle, around Himself. His presence would be at the center of the people. And he arranged the people so they could move in an orderly fashion whenever He told them to move.

PRAYER:
Lord, be at the center of my life. You have purchased me with your blood and deserve the place of supremacy over me. Thank you for being a God of order. Let my life reflect order, not chaos, as I follow You. Amen.

Day 115: Proverbs 5

READING: Proverbs 5

REFLECTION

This chapter is about temptation, specifically sexual temptation. But I wonder if the adulterous woman portrayed here isn’t a metaphor for other temptations as well – temptations that lead us away from wisdom, from the fear of the LORD.

C.S. Lewis points out that Satan, with cheap promises of easy satisfaction, tempts us with a perversion of what God made wonderful and good. This chapter illustrates that. The father counsels his son to stay away from the adulterous woman. She entices with promises of pleasure, of sweetness. The fruits of yielding to her are dishonor, ruin, and regret. This is true of adultery; it is also true of yielding to other sinful lusts.

Verses 15 – 20 are a wonderful metaphor for the satisfaction of sex in marriage. There’s not simply quick pleasure there, but a deep well of thirst quenching refreshment. Marital sex, though perhaps not glittery, offers real sustenance. Promiscuous sex is a glitzy container that is empty and moldy inside. And if the adulterous woman is also a metaphor for all temptations, then these verses point out the fulfillment, the lifegiving refreshment of clinging to God and His wisdom.

Proverbs 5 ends with a reminder that God sees and weighs our behavior. Frequently a person is entrapped, however, by the consequences of his own sin and his refusal to discipline himself and forsake them (vv. 22 – 23).

FURTHER STUDY (if you want!)

Paraphrase in your own words what the “adulteress” is like underneath her attractive exterior. Are there any other temptations that could be described in the same way? Are there are some temptations that are like that for you?

Notice the contrast between the fruit of the two choices in this chapter. Contrast the picture in vv. 3 – 14 with the picture in vv. 15 – 23. Where would you rather live?

PRAYER

Father God, You know what gives us true satisfaction and You have shown us the way. Help us to listen to Your Word and exercise good judgment. Help us to see through the glitz and empty promises of sins that seduce us.

Day 114: Numbers 1

BACKGROUND:
The book of Numbers isn't really about numbers, so it won't be as boring as you might think. Granted, there are a few chapters that deal with census numbers, but there are many more chapters telling the narrative of the next 39 years of Israel's wanderings in the wilderness. The Greek and Latin titles are both "Numbers" (arithmoi and numeri, respectively), which is why the English title is "Numbers." But the Hebrew title for this book is "in the wilderness," taken from the opening line of the first verse. So, don't let the title of this book or the first few chapters scare you; it's not all about numbers! Let's dig in and watch how God continues to develop a relationship with His people.

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE READING: Numbers 1

SUMMARY:
This book opens one year and one month after the Israelites fled Egypt. God told Moses to take a census counting all the males age 20 and over, those who would be able to go out to war. God also appointed a specific man as head over each of the twelve tribes. Notice the Levites are not numbered among the fighting men, since they are dedicated to God's service in the tabernacle. Each tribe is counted and listed, with the total number of fighting men being 603,550. Based on this number of men qualified for the army, it is estimated that the population of the whole nation was somewhere between two and three million.

REFLECTION/APPLICATION:
This chapter ends with the statement, "Thus the sons of Israel did; according to all which the LORD had commanded Moses, so they did." Do I obey God, even in the things that seem unimportant to me? When God is the one giving commands, it is not my place to determine whether the commands are valid or worthwhile to carry out. It is my job just to do what He says.

PRAYER:
Father, help me to be obedient to You, even in the "little things" of life.

Please bring comfort to the hearts of those who love Bruce and are mourning their loss. We do not mourn as those who have no hope, but we do suffer great sadness at the loss of a loved one. You are a God of comfort and compassion. Let Your presence and love be felt. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Day 112: Psalm 25

READING: Psalm 25

BACKGROUND

This psalm by David is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the twenty-two successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Scholars aren’t sure why the acrostic psalms were written that way. It’s quite possible that the acrostics functioned as a mnemonic device, and made the psalm easier to memorize.

REFLECTION

Trying to word what I’ve meditated on in this psalm is like trying to pour all the water in a teapot into a thimble! Can’t be done. There’s way too much. So I’ll content myself with a few comments.

1. David needs help; he needs deliverance from his enemies and guidance, and he needs forgiveness. So he turns to God – lifts his soul to God. “To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. / O my God, in You I trust,”… “ Then he appeals to God’s character, to who God is, not why he himself deserves help. Look at the basis of his request:

v. 5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, / For You are the God of my salvation; / For You I wait all the day.

v. 6 Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and Your lovingkindnesses

v. 7 According to Your lovingkindness remember me,/ For Your goodness' sake, O LORD.

v. 8 Good and upright is the LORD;

v.9 He leads the humble in justice, /And He teaches the humble His way.

v. 10 All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth/ To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.

v. 11 For Your name's sake, O LORD,/ Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

David doesn’t ask God to guide him because he deserves it; his appeal for God’s help is not based on his own goodness. Rather he focuses on God’s character in laying out his request and he reminds God that he belongs to Him. David’s appeal to be heard is not based on who he is, but on whose he is.

2. Twice David mentions the need to fear God, to reverence God, to give God the awe-filled trust that He deserves. Verse 12 says, “Who is the man who fears the LORD? / He will instruct him in the way he should choose.” And verse 14: "The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, / And He will make them know His covenant.” Other versions translate verse 14: “Friendship with the LORD is reserved for those who fear him” (New Living Translation).; “The LORD confides in those who fear him” (NIV). Fearing God leads to drawing close to Him, to intimacy with Him. Wow!

3. I counted three times, throughout the psalm, that David mentions his sin and/or asks God for forgiveness. “Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;/
According to Your lovingkindness remember me, / For Your goodness' sake, O LORD.” (v. 7) “For Your name's sake, O LORD, / Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.” (v.11) “Look upon my affliction and my trouble, / And forgive all my sins.” (v. 18)

Here are what others have to say about this:

Spurgeon said, in commenting on this psalm: “It is the mark of a true saint that his sorrows remind him of his sins, and his sorrow for sin drives him to his God.”

and

“ ‘Oh,’ says Pharaoh, ‘take away these filthy frogs, this dreadful thunder!’ But what says holy David? ‘Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant!’ The one would be freed from punishment, the effect of sin; the other from sin, the cause of punishment. And it is most true that a true Christian man is more troubled at sin than at frogs and thunder; he sees more filthiness in sin than in frogs and toads, more horror than in thunder and lightning.” From Jeremiah Dyke's "Worthy Communicant," 1645.

and

"Pharaoh more lamented the hard strokes that were upon him, than the hard heart which was within him. Esau mourned not because he sold the birthright, which was his sin, but because he lost the blessing, which was his punishment. This is like weeping with an onion; the eye sheds tears because it smarts.” … William Secker

4. Two times, in the beginning of the psalm in v. 5 and at the end, in v. 21, David says he will wait for God. He is assured that God will work – doesn’t know how or when – but after recounting the character of His God, his waiting appears expectant and patient rather than doubting and impatient. He is still needy and troubled, but he will continue to obey in integrity and uprightness and trust His God.

What have you reflected on in this psalm? I would like to hear. There’s so much.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS (for me and for you)

When I am troubled or in need where do I turn? If I turn to God, on what basis do I appeal to Him – on the basis of my character or His? Do I fear Him? Am I humble and teachable (meek)?

Am I more concerned about the effects of sin on me (the frogs!) than I am about having committed the sin (the hardness of heart the caused my sin)?

When I pray for guidance or for rescue from my enemy (Satan), do I wait with the trust and assurance that my God, who saved me, is working, and will do what is right with lovingkindness – according to His character?

PRAYER

LORD, help me to turn to You – to lift my soul to You – when I have a need. Help me to reverence and trust You so that I can be your friend, so that I can get to know You. Help me to continue to follow You in integrity while I wait patiently on You.

Leviticus 25 - Sabbath Rest for the Land and Year of Jubilee

READING: Leviticus 25

REVIEW:
Levitcus 25 discusses two commandments of the Lord regarding 1) the idea of Sabbath rest for the land, and 2)the Year of Jubilee.

The land, commands the Lord, requires a Sabbath rest just as His people do. Just as we are to rest on the seventh day, the land which belongs not to people but to God alone (v. 23) also requires a rest every seventh year. So while people can farm their land for six years, the land must be left fallow for the seventh year. I remember reading somewhere that leaving the land fallow every seventh year keeps the crops from using all the land's nutrients. Our Lord is so perfectly practical and has made His land to rest every seven years so it can truly produce its best for His people.

The Year of Jubilee requires that when a week of Sabbath rests has passed (7X7=49), the next year, the 50th, will be the Year of Jubilee. The Hebrew word for "jubilee" is defined in Strong's as: "clamor, i.e. acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum." So the 50th year is to be a year of joy and celebration, and the Lord commands that many things should happen in that year, such as the proclamation of liberty for Hebrew slaves and the return of land to original "owners" (although God Himself is the true owner of land, v. 23). The land is to remain fallow once again for the jubilee "shall be holy unto you" (v. 12). Did you know that part of verse 10 is inscribed on the Liberty Bell? I didn't -- "PROCLAIM LIBERTY THROUGHOUT ALL THE LAND UNTO ALL THE INHABITANTS THEREOF LEV. XXV X" -- how cool!

In verse 23, God proclaims, "... for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me." He is the true Owner of His Creation, as He made it. We can use land with the knowledge that it doesn't truly belong to us but to Him Who made it.

Isaiah 61:1 mentions several of the themes we read in Leviticus 25; the former verse states, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." In the fourth chapter of Luke's Gospel, Jesus reads this verse aloud in the synagogue in Nazareth, and then states, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." When Jesus stopped reading in the middle of the second verse of Isaiah 61, he was indicating that the day of vengeance (i.e., Final Judgment) had not yet come.

REFLECTION:
Leviticus 25 also gives the Lord's direction regarding redeeming the poor and servants. The Lord cares for ALL of His people, and those who need Him the most are by no means forgotten; the commandments given by the Lord concerning the poorest and slave classes of society are such that allow the Hebrews to raise themselves out of their situations and better their lots. His mercy is manifold; His grace and lovingkindness are manifold. I love that our Lord is intimately concerned with the lives of His people and wants the very best for them.

PRAYER:
O Lord, we thank You that You give us rest each Sabbath. Help us to take advantage of this weekly Sabbath and use it to rest our bodies and refresh our spirits in You, just as your land is refreshed when it lays fallow every seven years. May we also celebrate the Jubilee -- the joy in the forgiveness of our debts, of our total restoration to freedom and liberty from slavery -- the Jubilee that comes to us each and every day since Christ rose again, bringing us perfect restoration both now and evermore. Amen.

Day 108: Leviticus 22

SCRIPTURE READING: Leviticus 22

COMMENTS:
This chapter continues to set the standards for the priests, and then goes on to set the standards for the sacrifices themselves. A priest was to serve only while he was ceremonially clean. If a priest ministered while unclean, he would profane the sacrifice being given. There is a link here between the priest and the sacrifice he offers. The sacrifice itself must also be without defect. A defective animal would not be accepted by God as a sacrifice.

REFLECTION:
The priest and the sacrifice both had to be clean and without blemish in order for God to accept the sacrifice given. This was completely fulfilled by Jesus. "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)

Jesus was both the perfect priest and the perfect sacrifice. His offering is a much more effective one, because this one-time offering of Christ was enough to last forever and it could truly cleanse our consciences.

APPLICATION:
And for what purpose are we cleansed by Christ's sacrifice? The Hebrews passage above says that it's so we can serve the living God. And 1 Peter 2:5 says, "you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

"I urge you, therefore, brothers . . . to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)

Do you present yourself as an acceptable sacrifice to God?

PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for providing the perfect priest as well as the perfect sacrifice in order for me to be truly cleansed. May I continually give my life to you. Through Jesus, Amen.

Day 105: Psalms 23 & 24

READING: Psalm 23 and Psalm 24

BACKGROUND:

David began as a shepherd and died as a king and these two psalms reflect on how God is our Shepherd (Psalm 23) and our King (Psalm 24). David, who knew what it was to shepherd sheep, used that metaphor in Psalm 23 to show God’s qualities and how He relates to us. And David was king of Israel and wielded quite a bit of power in his day, yet in Psalm 24 he praises God as the mighty King of Glory, rather than focusing on himself. Scholars believe that David wrote Psalm 24 to be sung in celebration of the Ark of the Covenant’s arrival at Jerusalem (II Samuel 6), and that it was sung antiphonally. Check out its arrangement in balanced or parallel phrases. I had a good time imagining it being sung! After reading Exodus and Leviticus I have a glimpse of just what that Ark meant to the Israelites.

REFLECTION:

I am so familiar with Psalm 23 that sometimes I miss just how meaningful and beautiful it is. I’ve read it this time in a version that’s a bit unfamiliar to me and that has helped me see it with new eyes. The psalm doesn’t tell us that we will have green pastures and still waters all the time, but it does say that when we go through the valley of the shadow of death our Lord will be with us, giving us comfort. He is with us so that we don’t have to be overpowered by fearing what evil can do to us. How does reflecting on God as your Shepherd affect your thoughts about your present and future? Soak your heart in the words of this psalm.

A phrase that has hit me is that He “guides us in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake”. Somehow it is reassuring to me that His guidance is not dependent on fickle me – not for my sake – but for the sake of His own unchanging name or character.

Psalm 24 opens by telling us that God is creator and owner of this world and all that is in it, including people. What does that have to do with the next few verses, about who can come into His presence? Don’t verses 3- 6 mean more to you after reading about the requirements and sacrifices in Leviticus? I am so grateful that Jesus came once for all to be my sacrifice, my Savior, to enable me to come directly to God, to draw near to Him. The rest of the psalm is David’s joyful response to the presence of his God and King entering his city! That same King: strong, mighty, invincible - lives in me. What is my response?

PRAYER:

Thank-you, LORD, for being both my tender and loving Shepherd and my mighty Warrior King.

Day 104: Leviticus 18 & 19

Leviticus 18 & 19

Summary

These two chapters begin instructions for the practical living out of the people of a Holy God. They are expanded and amplified instructions of the Ten Commandments given earlier in Exodus. Note that God does not distinguish between the secular and the sacred – it is all the same to Him. Purity is expected and demanded. It is interesting to note that Chapter 18 is read aloud each year on the Day of Atonement.
Over and over through this section, the Israelites are reminded of their status as God’s People. They are warned not to follow the ways and practices of the pagan Canaanites. God reminds them of His Authority to issue this code by the repeated phrase “I am the LORD your God.”
There are interesting and explicit instructions in chapters 18 & 19. What stands out to you? Being familiar with these instructions will help you as we continue our reading through the Bible - for instance 18:24-28 will help you understand why the Israelites will experience the Exile and 19:9-10 will help you understand the gleaning in the book of Ruth. And 19:18 is “love your neighbor as yourself” which Jesus quotes later on!!

Reflection

So what are we to do with all these regulations now that Christ has come? We now have the Spirit to guide us – we don’t need codes to show us the way of holy living. My husband is currently trying to do some improvements to some rental property we own. The unit was built about 50 years ago but the improvements must be made according to the building codes of today. If he were to make the improvements according to the codes of the 1950’s, the project would never be approved. He can read and study them all he wants and he might even find some things that are the same for today but it isn’t the set of building codes that are currently in effect. I think the same is true when we approach this Old Code/Testament/Covenant in the Bible. They are interesting and give us insight into the actions of Old Testament characters and the view of the Pharisees in Jesus’ time, but we are not to build our life around them since we are now under a New Code/Testament/Covenant. Hebrews 10 says that Jesus took away the first covenant and established a second covenant. It says that we can approach God by a new way. God has a new code in effect. In many ways this new way is easier – not so many rules to remember. But in other ways, this new way, this law of the Spirit (Romans 8) seems hard – I need to consult the Spirit in ALL things and ask Him to guide me in living a daily Holy life – I need to live to a higher standard – I am not just to abstain from murdering others but I am to abstain from having evil thoughts about others. Impossible? Yes, on my own. But with the Spirit living in me it is possible!

Prayer

Dear God, I am thankful that you sent your Spirit to live in me. I have your Guidance and Power to live a holy life that is pleasing to you and a blessing to others. Reading the Law reminds me of my sinfulness and leads me to the Cross and your provision. Help me to seek you in all my ways – help me to breathe you.

Day 103: Leviticus 17 & 18

Leviticus 17 & 18


Background


Chapters 17 and 18 mark a dividing place in the book of Leviticus. Chapters 1-17 are sometimes known as the Basis for the Divine-Human Relationship. That means that the rules and code for how man was to approach a Holy God were laid out – hence the emphasis on sacrifices and cleanliness. Chapters 18-27 are going to focus on the way to live daily for a Holy God. We will find practical ways the Israelites were to live out their devotion to God. We will see that God makes no distinction between the secular and the sacred – all of life is to be lived for Him. Because the two chapters are so different from each other, let’s look at them separately.


Leviticus 17 – The Life is in the Blood!!


Summary


This chapter gives the regulations against the consuming of blood. The Israelites were not to eat meat that did not have its blood drained – doing so was to result in being cut off from the community. This seems a little gross to talk about in 21st century first-world United States where all our meat comes packaged in nice containers at the store, but for the Israelites this was serious consideration and work. This was not a new concept…if you remember, God introduced this idea after the Flood in Genesis 9. Blood was to be treated reverently as it was the symbol of life. It was sacred as it was the means through which atonement was made for one’s life (Lev 17:11).


Scarlet Thread


Haven’t you wondered why we keep referring to references to Christ as the Scarlet Thread? Well, here it is! Jesus had to shed his blood for us – it was the way for our atonement and redemption! Hebrews 9:22 gives further insight – “all things are cleansed with blood and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Only the Blood of Christ was sufficient to pay for all sin for all time. This must be understood or the death of Christ seems merely gory rather than absolutely necessary.


If you are interested…there is a great Bible Study by Jennifer Kennedy Dean called The Life Changing Power of the Blood of Christ where she asserts that the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus was necessary to drain his blood thus satisfying the Law here in Leviticus 17. check it out at http://www.prayinglife.org/


Reflection


It must be understood that God demanded blood sacrifice in order to understand the necessity and efficacy of the death of Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus cleanses and removes the stain, scar, mildew of sin. Ephesians 1:7 says that through his blood we have the forgiveness of sins. I am glad to have this passage in the admittedly tedious book of Leviticus to help me understand what Jesus did for me on the cross. I am so grateful for the sacrifice of Jesus whose blood pays for my sin for all time. It is a finished work!


Leviticus 18


Just read it for today. Tomorrow you can check out the blog for thoughts on chapters 18 and 19 since they are related. Key thing to remember as you read: these laws were never intended to be the basis of salvation!


Prayer


Father God, thank you for your amazing provision of Atonement through the lifeblood of the Son. Forgive me for skipping over the “bloodiness” of the cross because it makes me queasy - it is wholly sacred to you. Thank you for your Holy Word which helps me understand your great plan and the meaning of the death Jesus.

Day 101: Leviticus 15

READING: Leviticus 15

COMMENTS:
This chapter talks more about the illnesses that make a person unclean. These are illnesses that result in a discharge. Note that the illnesses required that a sin and a burnt offering be made after the person was well (just like in the previous chapters). The natural secretions in verses 16-24, however, did not require any offerings.

These chapters make me very thankful that we live in the age of modern medicine! Many of the illnesses mentioned in these chapters can easily be treated today. We don't have to wait them out like they did back then. God has given man the ability to figure out a lot about how the human body works. (But they have only scratched the surface.)

There's a related story in Mark 5:25-34.

KEEP READING!