March 3, 2010, Leviticus 27:14-34, Numbers 1, Mark 11:1-25, Psalm 46:1-11, Proverbs 10:23

Creator, Redeemer, we fall on our knees before you. Forgive us for seeking our own way and for not honoring your will in our lives and in our world. We were shaken again this week with the news of our Chilean brothers and we pray that you might unite us as a people with a united purpose through these struggles with life and death.  We know you are protector and that our eternal lives are safe in your hands. Help us to lift one another up in Love and find that common bond in you that holds us together as one. May love and compassion for one another be obvious to all who gather here and may our thoughts and words be found pleasing in your sight. May your Kingdom come.  Amen.

Response to Leviticus 27:14-Numbers 1:54

Dedication and redemption. The give and take of life.  I'm in, I'm out. Counting the cost. Are you sold out for God, or would you rather relish in the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life a bit more? Is your house and all your stuff yours or His? Are you willing to play Monopoly with your life with God? I'll sell my soul to the Devil and buy it back with 20% extra tomorrow. Sounds a bit like Heavenly roulette.  If you sell out at just the right time, you get it all back in the year of Jubilee, so why not take a chance! What do you have to lose - you'll find out soon enough. Until you understand the Love of the dealer, it's tough to make the choice of how to play your cards.


This redemption thing is huge! It is the message of the Bible - all the stories - all the law - all the prophets.  The message may seem easy, "God has redeemed you through the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross", but that doesn't make life on this earth any easier or make the importance of your actions any easier.  You still have a part to play!  You still owe God your honor.  Those that would say He won't take you kicking and screaming through the pearly gates are exactly right.  If you reject God, there is little hope my friend.    If you're a betting man and refuse to honor God for His Love to you figuring, what is He going to do about it, you'll lose.

Did you notice the footnote for Leviticus 27:29?  The Hebrew word for this verse is quite strong and you may wonder what person might be devoted for destruction! The footnote in the Tyndale House Publication of the One Year Bible (NIV) for verse 29 states: "The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the Lord, often by totally destroying them."  My Harper Study Bible by Zondervan Bible Publishers (RSV) refers this verse to Joshua 6:17-19 reflecting the people of Jericho, of whom only Rahab the harlot was redeemed.  Perhaps this law referred to all the Canaanites whom the Lord decreed must be wiped out in establishing a pure community in the promised land.  Perhaps this could also refer to Jesus Christ who was destined to die according to the will and redemption plan of the Father. And He accepted such fate with a servants heart.

Leviticus ends with laws regarding those things which cannot be redeemed as they have been set apart by God by law or standing ritual.  Verse 26-27 refers to the firstborn, which reflects Christ.  Verse 28-29 refers to man (see Leviticus 27:1-8) or animals which are devoted (Note I Samuel 1:11 Hanah devoted Samuel to the Lord all the days of his life.) (Note Numbers 6:1-4 vows of a Nazirite - although Samson was a Nazirite and John the Baptist followed some of the vows of a Nazirite, Jesus was a Nazarene (branch) from the town of Nazareth.).

Leviticus finishes with the redeeming of the tithe.  Beyond the firstfruits, there was a tithe of agricultural goods, whether seed, fruit, or animals.  Such goods could be redeemed with money by adding 20% to the value, but they could not be substituted with more goods.  Life for life did not apply to the tithe.  If you attempt to substitute your life for the sacrifice Christ gave, both remain Holy to the Lord.

This brings us to the end of the book of Leviticus.  The final verse assigns all these commands to those that God gave Moses on Mount Sinai in the first year after the Israelites left the land of Egypt and camped at the base of the mountain.  According to the Harper Study Bible by Zondervan Bible Publishers The name "Leviticus" which is the Septuigent title means "pertaining to the Levites", and the Hebrew title is the first phrase of the Hebrew text, "And he called." I come away from the book with Leviticus 22:32 in my head as the theme of the book: "I am the Lord who makes you Holy." How about you?

The fourth book of the Old Testament is entitled Numbers by the Septuagint, (Wikipedia renders this "Greek version of the Hebrew Bible).  The Hebrew name for the book is "In The Wilderness".  The book begins on "the first day of the second month of the second year" (Numbers 1:1).  Although there is one more book of the Penteteuch (first five books of the Bible - also known as Torah - attributed to Moses), Numbers brings us to the banks of the Jordan river, prepared to enter the promised land. The book gets it's name "Numbers" based on the accounting of the people primarily in chapters 1 and 26.  It is there we begin.

Being finished with the Levitical law, Numbers begins with a census of the people.  It makes sense that if the people are going to conquer Canaan that they would organize an army, and it would appear that is what is happening as the focus of the census is to count men able to go to war.  Leaders of tribes are appointed and the men are counted. 

As a father, I always loved this section of the Bible, and my kids probably hated it.  It is a great excercise in training the intermediate reader.  I am not aware of any major claim to fame of the leaders except that Nahshon, son of Amminadab is reflected in Luke 3:32-33 and Matthew 1:4 in relation to the ancestry of Jesus Christ. 

I appreciated the layout of Numbers 1:20-43 in the Tyndale House Publisher's "One Year Bible" as it is easy to quickly read the tribal name and the number of men.  The repeated words are easily identifyable for speed reading.  I noticed that the tribe of Gad is placed in a different order in this section than in the naming of leaders in 1:5-15.  Another item of interest is that the tribe of Judah has been blessed with nearly 12,000 more fighting men than any other tribe unless you combine the tribes of Joseph - but even then, Judah has been blessed with the most fighting men.  Did you check the grand total to make sure it matches?

The grand total of fighting men was 603,550 according to Numbers 1:46.  This compares to about 600,000 men besides women and children who left Egypt in Exodus 12:37.  I would not be surprised if the number from Numbers 1:46 is reflected in Exodus as there had not been another chance to number the people up until this time.  We do know that the exact number is used in Exodus 38:26.  The total from the second census in Numbers 26:51 of the same age of fighting men was 601,730. 

I was surprised as we read Leviticus that the laws dealt with only Aaron and his sons as specially called out of all the people.  If I'm not mistaken, except for the the mention of the Levites slaughtering 3000 men in Exodus 32:25-29, Numbers 1:47-53 is the first section that separates the entire tribe of Levi out as holy to the Lord, giving them a special section of land and a separation of the rest of the tribes from the tabernacle.

Response to Mark 11:1-25

Bethany is a village located about 1.5 miles from Jerusalem on the east slope of Mt. Olivet.  Our passage from Mark 11:1-11 (see also Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:29-44, and John 12:12-19) details how the disciples borrowed a young unbroken donkey from the village - entered Jerusalem and saw the temple - and then returned to Bethany for the night.  John's account adds to the set of this day.  Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead and the crowd who was following that day represented many of the witnesses.  Also, we know that Jesus fame had spread and many were expecting the promised King who would liberate the people as their hero's of times past. It was only after the experiences of this day that the disciples related their witness to the events of the day to Old Testament scripture.   Zechariah 9:9. 

Perhaps the people were expecting Zephaniah 3:14-17:  "Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! ...  rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. ... The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Perhaps they had taken parts of Isaiah 63:1-2 out of context: "Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? 'It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.'  Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress?"

What they now understood is reflected in Matthew and John's from Zechariah 9:7-9: "7 I will take the blood from their mouths, the forbidden food from between their teeth. Those who are left will belong to our God
and become leaders in Judah, and Ekron will be like the Jebusites. But I will defend my house against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch. The Coming of Zion's King.  Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king  comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Later that same week, they would see their King suffer the prophecy of Zechariah 13:7-9 and the beginning of God's Kingdom begin on earth.  The seed will have been planted in the fertile soil tilled by everything that had been before: "Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!" declares the LORD Almighty. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones. In the whole land," declares the LORD, "two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it. This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The Lord is our God.'""

As Mark reflects that they returned to Bethany for the night, there should be no concern about them returning the donkey(s).  I expect the Mother of the foal was led along the way so that the foal Jesus rode would follow along.

The next Spring morning as they made the 1.5 mile journey back west over the Mount of Olives and into the city of Jerusalem, they passed a fig tree in Spring foliage.  We may imagine they had missed the continental breakfast at the hotel and desired to snack on figs from the tree.  But, being out of season, there were none.  The disciples heard him condemn the tree to be barren for life in the hearing of the disciples.  This story is reflected in Mark 11:12-14 and Matthew 21:18-22.  The story is continued in Mark 11:20-25 as they returned from the cleansing of the temple that evening.  As they passed the fig tree, they found it withered.  Being a landscaper, I question whether there had been frost in the air that morning as this can kill a newly leafed tree that is already under stress and that Jesus intended to make His point.  The disciples were obviously concerned that Jesus would have cursed what appeared to be a perfectly good tree.  Peter (as reflected in Mark) and Matthew expressed inspirations regarding the power of faith and the importance of blessings and forgiveness and the consequences of cursings by a man of faith.

That day, Jesus had had quite a time in the Temple.  He scolded the marketplace atmosphere the Temple, driving out both merchants and buyers.  Mark mentions "Pigeons" as the merchandise which would reflect that the buying and selling regarding sacrifices for the poor honoring the sacrificial laws.  It appears to me he was not so angry about business being run, but the fact the business was based on sacrificial laws placing a value on penitence and God's free gift of forgiveness.  He cleared out the agricultural feel of sacrificial atonement by not allowing any cattle, birds, grain, or firstfruits to be carried through the Temple, honoring the cultural ways of the Israelites, but proclaimed that this was to be a house of prayer for all nations. 

He quoted part of Isaiah 56:7 which is found in Isaiah 56:6-10a "And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord, to serve him, to love the name of the Lord, and to worship him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant - these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."  The Sovereign Lord declares - he who gathers the exiles of Israel: 'I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered.' Come, all you beasts of the field, come and devour, all you beasts of the forest! Israel's watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark;"

He also quoted Jeremiah 7:11 which is found in context with Jeremiah 7:8-18: "But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless." 'Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, "We are safe"-safe to do all these detestable things? Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the Lord. " 'Go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for my Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of my people Israel. While you were doing all these things, declares the Lord, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. Therefore, what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears my Name, the temple you trust in, the place I gave to you and your fathers. I will thrust you from my presence, just as I did all your brothers, the people of Ephraim.'
     "So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you.  Do you not see what they are doing in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough and make cakes of bread for the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to provoke me to anger."

For more info on Shiloh: see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiloh_(Biblical) For more reflection on the cleansing in the temple and all that Jesus did that day, see Matthew 21:12-17, Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-22). 

Response to Psalm 46:1-11

I Chronicles 15:20 "Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah and Benaiah were to play the lyres according to

alamoth" alamoth means virgins: thus, I assume this Psalm was to be sung by a soprano, or by female voices with accompanied by an orchestra of stringed instruments called lyres.

See my blog from March 2 regarding the "Sons of Korah"

Selah [celah], is an exclamation that we should measure and reflect upon what has been said. http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/faq/selah.html

Even in the devastation of an earthquake, such as Haiti and Chili, God remains a refuge and strength.  This Psalm does not say bad things will not happen, nor does it propose He causes such things.  We are far enough advanced to know about faultlines and fisures and know that the earth continues to change and adjust and we know that bad things will happen.  We can all put our superstitions to rest - and continue to seek God's love in the midst of crisis.  This in fact is the purpose of this blog is to find that this Love of God that is preached by so many is more than mere speculation and human superstition.

"There is a River" is a fascinating study!  Call it the river of life if you will.  Become immersed with me in the flow of the Spirit as we tube under the fruit trees and into the sea of everlasting life. Copy this down and follow along when you have a moment. I have mapped this river through the following verses: Genesis 2:9
Psalm 1:3, Psalm 36:8-9, Psalm 46:4, Isaiah 33:21, Isaiah 35:6-7, Isaiah 48:18, Jeremiah 2:13, Jeremiah 17:8, Ezekiel 47:1-12, Joel 3:18, Zachariah 13:1, Zachariah 14:8, John 4:14, John 7:38, Revelation 2:7, Revelation 22:1-2.

To everyone who will take the time to read this blog or the word of God, Psalm 46:6-7 prophesies hope in the midst of despair: "Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.  The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; Be still, and know that I am God; Psalm 46:9-10

And herein lies the power I've been blogging about: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in all the earth." Fear = reverent awe and worship of His Holiness. Lord Almighty, we humbly bow.

Response to Proverbs 10:23

The lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes may temporarily provide the pride of life, but the Wisdom of Scripture will provide a lasting Peace.

I Love swimming in Dad's river, don't you?

Rick

March 2, 2010, Leviticus 25:47-27:13, Mark 10:32-52, Psalm 45:1-17, Proverbs 10:22

Blessed Redeemer; We bow before you with praise and thanksgiving for your love for us.  You have called us to be your children, and we pray that you would speak to us today through the thoughts and words we share in your honor.  May our offerings be found pleasing in your sight, and may we go forth with singing, applying your discipline and blessings received as we meet the needs of our world.

Response to Leviticus 25:47-27:13

Leviticus 25:47-55 seems fairly self explanatory given the culture of the day.  Again, the idea of kinsman redeemer and gleaming of the fields plays well into the story of 'Ruth' which is scheduled in our reading for May 5.  Reflecting on this passage, it is apparent that there were foreigners living with the people.  Apparently, they could be there long enough to establish a living and become members of society. 

As we look for inspiration and application from this passage, I see Levitius 25:55 gives a reason why there were different rules for Israelites and foreigners.  "for the Israelites belong to me as servants." Again, as they represented God's chosen people to the surrounding nations, it was important that they were treated like son's of the King, to bring Him honor.  As the word redeem is used quite a bit here, both God our Father and Jesus Christ our brother offer redemption for our souls come judgement day.

Leviticus 26:1-13 contrasts with Leviticus 26:14-39 working as prophecy of blessings that would stem from obedience as opposed to cursings which would stem from disobedience.  Verse 1-2 reflect the 2nd and 4th commandments of Exodus 20 naming off no idols and sabbath observance.  If they would be a people of honor, bringing glory to God, he would protect and establish them in the land.  However, if they became dishonorable bringing shame and disgrace to God, He would remove them from the land - yet save a remnant.  Both of these things indeed came true.  There was tremendous blessings from David's reign as King through the time of his son, Solomon as seen in the 2 books of Samuel.  However, through various struggles and cycles of wickedness displayed in the books of the Kings and Chronicles, the people would witness moral decay and eventual removal from the land to Assyria and Babylon.  It was during these times of moral decay that the majority of the books of the prophets listed in the Old Testament were written leading up to and into the captivities and the loss of the promised land.  The hope of the people rested in God's promise of forgiveness, love, and redemption allowing their eventual return to the promised land and the envisioned splendor. 

Notice the use of "seven times over for your sin" again in verse 19, verse 21, and verse 24.  Devine and complete judgement and removal from the land - cut off - vomited out, separated from the love and promises of God.  The Jewish culture must take solace in the fact these verses claim that their punishment was seven times worse than their sin deserved.  Of course, death is not necessarily damnation and the tribulation is felt by those left behind, not by those who were taken.  Beyond the days of punishment there would be a remnant - the seed to begin anew and spread the Kingdom into the new lands they were exiled to.  Having been sold into slavery, they would eventually be redeemed by their Father.

In Leviticus 26:34, the verb changes from if to an affirmative 'shall'. This land shall enjoy it's sabbath rest when I remove you from it. He cares not only for His people, but also for all of creation. This sabbath rest is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 36:21: "The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah." This prophecy is found in Jeremiah 29:10 "This is what the Lord says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place." Again, the use of a multiple of 7. Perhaps we need to be watching for '7's in the modern era to understand God's plan.

Penitence, confession, and service is required for redemption in Leviticus 26:40-45. Check out the similarity of Leviticus 26:41-42 to 2 Chronicles 7:14:

Leviticus 26:41-42: "then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for their sin, I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land."

2 Chronicles 7:14: "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Through humbleness, serving our fellow man, and honoring God with our lives, we will draw all men back into the fold.  If we will honor His laws and decrees, we will not only experience salvation, but experience the redemption of all of creation.  How much is required? Everything!

So, what value does God put on a human being?  Without figuring the weight in Silver, Leviticus 27:1-13 would portray the importance of a young man.  About the age of choosing a wife and starting a family and beginning a career, God wants you!  A man still represents leadership in the family in most cultures. The Mormons send men of this age out for 2 year missions.  What a great way to establish honor and spirituality into a young man's life. Dedication instead of recklessness. That is bound to keep their culture strong!

Honor and Purity, two virtues that would help any individual or culture.

Response to Mark 10:32-52

Step by step, Jesus led his followers towards Jerusalem and certain death.  The disciples could sense his fear, yet none dared to rebuke him again and could do no more than follow.  The crowd sensed the change in the ministry as the healings appeared to have come to an end and Jesus ministry continued to talk of His own demise which was against their beliefs in what the Messiah meant for their liberation.  Could it be He was not the promised Messiah after all? To make things worse, His claims were that such a death would be brought about by the very center and leadership of their faith.  In their amazement, they failed to hear the message of the resurrection.  However, their teacher's, the Sadducees had taught them that there was no such thing.  This was indeed, a strange time. The story of Mark 10:32-34 was also told in Matthew 20:17-19 and Luke 18:31-34.

Perhaps in hopes of changing the subject, James and John requested honor in the coming Kingdom.  Jesus said they did not know what they were talking about, and we may surmise they were still speaking of their understanding of the coming earthly Kingdom and were not willing to accept an impending death.  Without that understanding, how could they realize what they were saying when they said they would be able to drink the cup that He would drink?  It seems clear to me that in Mark 10:35-45 and Matthew 20:20-28 that when Jesus talked of His baptism He was speaking of the coming Holy Spirit.  The cup he would drink could also refer to receiving the Spirit as we have seen the symbolism of wine - or it could mean taking part in His sufferings.

Those sufferings were real, as we know from the witness of the gospel writers of the approach to Jerusalem.  For the sacrificed animal, death was quick, not so with Christ. He knew his fate included severe brutality, mocking, rejection, and loneliness.  Following the pain of being pinned to the cross, He would suffer slow torture by hanging, body bruised and torn, leading to death, alone and afraid.  We can only surmise His awareness of the Holy Spirit of God within.  This was a man, devoted to God, willing to give up His life and fulfill His calling.  He knew the scriptures. He knew Isaiah 53 was about Him. He was not naive to Roman torture and He knew there would be no mercy.  Unfortunately, He was alone in His understanding and could only hope that His sacrifice would affect His wicked and adulterous generation according to the will and plan of God which even He stated He did not completely comprehend.  Yet, step by step, He led the way to glory.

Within this emotional climate built by Mark 10:35-45 and Matthew 20:20-28, we come to the last of the physical healings recorded by Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  Instead of the crowd thronging around Jesus bringing their sick, they are much more somber now and tell this beggar to be quiet.  Yet, Jesus invites the man to come.  The story is the one in today's reading of Mark 10:46-52.  It is also told in Matthew 20:29-34 and Luke 18:35-43. Mark is the only one giving a name to the blind man as Bartimaeus and Matthew writes that there were two blind men who together received their sight.  When told to go their way, they join the crowd and follow Jesus.

Perhaps the question posed for us today is this.  Are we willing to admit that we have more work to do in understanding the will of God regardless of our upbringing and training? Are we willing to acknowledge that this "Son of Man" was following the will of God for our redemption and that His death served that purpose in accordance with the will of God as reflected in the writings of Judaism? Are we willing to serve God with our lives by loving and caring for our fellowman according to the example set by this man Jesus? Will our faith allow us to see God's will more clearly through the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ?  Do we believe His will was to bring glory to the One True God, creator of Heaven and earth?  Do we believe God's plan of redemption as reflected in the Old Testament writings have been accomplished and that we can come to Him as forgiven and beloved children?  Let's talk.

Response to Psalm 45:1-17

Did you notice this sounded like a love song that might be sung at a Royal Wedding?  This is the third of many Psalms written by the "Son's of Korah".  The first two were Psalm 42 and Psalm 44.  Psalm 43 appears to be an extension of Psalm 42.  Korah's rebellion against Moses in Numbers 16 ended in his being swallowed up by the earth with Dathan and Abiram.  Unlike Dathan and Abiram, Korah's family survived.  In I Chronicles 6:33, Heman, the grandson of Samuel, descendant of Korah is chosen by David as one of the music ministers to serve in the tabernacle.  I Chronicles 25:5-6 states: "All these were sons of Heman the king's seer. They were given him through the promises of God to exalt him. God gave Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. All these men were under the supervision of their fathers for the music of the temple of the Lord, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God."

Psalm 45:1-9 is an ode to the King.  May I suggest you read this three times.  First, imagine these servants of King David writing a song to honor their King on his wedding day.  On second reading, imagine your honor to the Prince of Peace of Isaiah 9:6 as He rides forth to conquer the evil forces which would undo us in this world (of course if you've been following my blog, you know I refer to ideologies that keep men from peace).  Upon a third reading, imagine yourself as the warrior going out to perform your Kings service.

Psalm 45:10-15 is an ode to the bride on her wedding day.  On your first reading, imagine these servants of the King David singing this song in honor of their Queen on her wedding day. On second reading, imagine those chosen from the new covenant, claimed by the Prince of Peace to leave this world and be united with Him in paradise.  Upon third reading, make it more personable as Jesus Christ and God the Father welcome you individually as their chosen loved one.

Psalm 45:16-17 challenge all of us to take the faith of our fathers and pass the torch on to our children.  Seek to honor His truth and challenge our youth to the noble virtues of honor, truth, faith, hope, and love that are ours from our creator, God, and Father.  To Him belong all the glory and praise from all the people for ever and ever.

Response to Proverbs 10:22

If you are blessed financially according to this Proverb, I would like to be your friend.  It is hoped that the man who is blessed with wealth understands such blessing is from the Lord and uses it accordingly.  It is He who owns all wealth. It is He who makes you wealthy.

However, for the rest of us who have not been so lucky to be blessed such as those, the following is also found in the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

This treasure, if you invest properly, indeed is yours with no strings attached.

May God be with you until we meet again

Rick

March 1, 2010, Leviticus 24:1-25:46, Mark 10:13-31, Psalm 44:9-26, Proverbs 10:20-21

We humbly bow before you our Lord and Savior! We, indeed are unworthy of your gift of grace in our lives to even have the opportunity to share with one another from your word.  Forgive us for our lack of faith and revive us with your Spirit as we share our thoughts and words. May they bring honor to your name.

Response to Leviticus 24:1-25:46

Leviticus 24:1-9 gives us a vivid picture as we stand within the tabernacle in front of the altar of incense and the blue and gold curtain separates us from the Holy of Holies.  We know that the Heavenly Mercy seat of God, where He dwells with the angels, is represented right behind the curtain between the angels wings covering the Ark of the Testimony.  Here, where we stand, we can look to our left and see the 7 candles of the golden lampstand representing the completeness of God and to our right, the golden table with 12 loaves of bread repesenting the people He has called to be Holy and through whom He will carry out His Kingdom plan. We have also visited this room in Proverbs 9:1-6 and might understand the symbolism from Revelation 2:1-3:22 how our High Priest, Jesus Christ now cares for His Kingdom on earth day and night.  The oil, the wine of His Holy Spirit of which we can now partake, building us up daily into eternal life.

From time to time in Leviticus, we break out of the Law and hear a story, Leviticus 24:10-23 is one of those times.  I feel the story here, where the entire community must participate in the stoning of the boy who blasphemed the name of God, was again, as much to affect the heart of the community as it was to punish the boy.  One might also consider the symbolism of unleavened bread reflected in this story as the sin must not be allowed in the camp. As I do not believe the death of an individual changes that individual's relationship with God, I believe He can use the death of one individual to affect the lives of the living.  Although one boy died, a community was changed into a people who would have a strength and faith within a generation to defeat giants!


The stronger message, I believe, reflects a Messianic theme.  The Mother of the boy comes from Israel and the Father does not (Jesus was conceived of the virgin Mary, by the Holy Spirit  of the God of all man (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:20, Luke 1:35)). Jesus was condemned and put to death by the Jewish community for blaspheming God (Matthew 26:64-66, Mark 14:61-64, Luke 22:69-71) - all according to plan mind you, they knew not what they were doing.

He moves on from the story to the laws regarding punishments for killing or damaging man or beast, but the message remains clear: "I am the Lord your God who makes you Holy.  I chose you out of all nations to be my representatives on earth and you must be holy.  Sin shall not be found within your midst.  Unfortunately, this section of scripture requiring honor often leaves people feeling afraid or angry of what they percieve as a God of wrath.  However, if honoring God in all areas of our lives generally tends to be beneficial, His requiring of it is an act of Love.  If we will humble ourselves through giving unconditional honor, our hope rests in unfathomable Love.

Leviticus 25:1-7 speaks of leaving a field fallow every 7 years.  Not only does this have agriculture value as it allows nutrients to build back into the soil and improve the topsoil, but it also symbolically turned the people's hearts toward God.  God knew His creation well enough to not only help the land, but to use the superstitions of the community to make these people holy and blessed.

As our economy worldwide has taken a turn for the worse, I am hearing more and more people say we should just cancel all the debts and redistribute the land and property and start over.  Obviously, a lot of religious folk don't like this idea at all as there would be a cost for them.  They have worked too hard for their stuff.  The same goes for healthcare.  Those who 'have' really don't care for those who don't when it comes right down to it. I can help as long as I can afford it out of my excess.  Biblically, given Leviticus 25:8-24, I can't argue with cancelling all the debts and redistributing land and property and honoring one another in the process.  The problem would be in getting such a thing done on a worldwide scale without a bunch of people and nations blowing a circuit.  In the Lord's prayer, we pray forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.  We would rather not think this is what it meant, but given the nature of our financial condition, we are running out of options. It's time to help the poor and needy and follow Jesus teaching ""Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Luke 18:22 (see also Matthew 19:21) We'll look at this a bit more in the study of Mark 10:17-21.

As I live in the United States of America, some will say this is socialism, but I am not talking about the Government being in control of everything and giving handouts to the poor and needy.  I'm asking for a year of Jubilee and a new start.  We could wipe out Government handouts and set up faith based care centers in the process!  Families and communities would be forced to take care of their poor and needy.  Honor and human dignity would be rebuilt.  Understand that I can am just blogging through the Bible and that's what I hear it saying.  It's teachings are tough! But, they are given in Love for all man from a Creator who knows what works. Greed doesn't. Allowing the Spiritual teachings to have financial applications allows undue affluence while the poor and needy starve. We must have faith that God's plan can redeem all of creation and we must operate within that will if we truly believe.  If we took such drastic action, giving the glory and honor to God, I have complete faith He would bless our efforts. He promises in Leviticus 25:21 "I will command my blessing upon you" If you are still upset, please share your thoughts and scripture references.

I believe the year of Jubilee symbolizes the life of Christ.  Remember that the blood represents life - the soul and spirit of man and of Christ - our ideologies if you will.  Listen to Isaiah 63:3-5 "I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing. For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption has come. I looked, but there was no one to help, I was appalled that no one gave support; so my own arm worked salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me.

*Isaiah 61:1-3; "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."

Luke 4:17-19 how Jesus went to worship at the Synagogue.  He was asked to get up and read, and *Isaiah 61:1-3 (see above) is what He read. Then in Luke 4:19-21, Jesus closed the book and gave it back to the attendant, sat down and proclaimed "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Leviticus 25:25-55 consists of other specific laws regarding the treatment of teachers, family, and the poor and needy.  Some of these laws were used elsewhere in the Bible such as the book of Ruth.  Many of these laws showed partiality between God's people and the people of foreign lands.  Always, the foreigner, although he may be a slave, was required to be treated with honor, in line with widows and orphans.  However, as redemption opened access to God beyond the High Priest, beyond the Levitical tribe, beyond the Jewish nation, to all nations and people, perhaps we can put to rest rules about slavery as we are all members of one family under God.

Response to Mark 10:13-31

Jesus has just answered the Pharisee's question about marriage before parent's began bringing their children to Jesus. Mark 10:13-16 resembles the same story told in Matthew 19:13-15 and Luke 18:15-17.  Luke refers to the children as "even infants!"  This sounds like an election season in the USA.  It sounds to me like the people were bringing the babies for just that purpose, for His touch in their lives and his blessing.  Perhaps this was not unlike a parent's desire with infant baptism even today.  Often, the purity of the child is a thing of imagination.  Any of us who have been a child knows that evil has already begun.  How else can we enter the Kingdom of God, though? If we come in like "know it all's", we will lose interest.  However, if we enter the Kingdom with the excitement and seeking the Love of the Father,  the treasure hunt will fill our lives with adventure for a lifetime.

We move right from the scene of the children to an accomplished man who wants to enter the Kingdom as an expert in worldly things.  He has religion figured out as well as government and finances.  Perhaps, he is exactly the opposite of the children Jesus had just referred to.  This story of the rich young ruler from Mark 10:17-31 is also portrayed in Luke 18:18-30 and Matthew 19:16-30.  This man honored Jesus by humbling himself on his knee.  He referred to Jesus as 'good teacher' to which Jesus again gave the glory to God and reminded the man that God is the one whom we should serve.  After reciting the commandments, all of which the young man followed religiously, Jesus looked on him with love - perhaps knowing the man still felt an emptiness inside that there was something more.  "One thing you lack," Jesus said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me."  You can almost hear the man mutter under his breath in frustration as he walked away, "I knew it!"

What a great story to have read right after my blog about the year of Jubilee!  How difficult it is to separate a man from his faith in wealth worth.  How hard we try to deny we suffer from such an attachment.  What personal self worth we gain from the power it offers.  Truly, who do you know that has more faith in God than in finances? Be honest, were you about ready to give up on this blog when we discussed Jubilee?  Through the conversation that followed the young man's departure, even the disciples questioned their own salvation. "Who then can be saved?" (vs. 26)

Jesus answers the question in all of our hearts in Mark 10:27 "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."  That brings to my mind our verse from Leviticus yesterday. "I am the Lord who makes you Holy!" (Leviticus 22:32 NIV).  Peter tries again; "But, we've left everything to follow you!" "Yes," Jesus replies, "and you shall get your reward" but don't forget it has nothing to do with what you have done and your life on earth will remain tough." (paraphrased). As I understand this, if it has nothing to do with my works, I do not have enough information to be telling any man they are going to hell.  If so, I would be telling my friends they were going to hell because they have placed too much faith in riches and I would be worried all the time about something I had no control with in the first place! Hell is none of my business.  I have been commissioned to spread the good news of what God has done. As they pursue Him and respond, He will make them Holy.  He has all of us kids  right where He wants us.

Response to Psalm 44:9-26

From my knowledge of Bible history, I could not reference a time in David's life that he would have written this Pslam.  I checked a few commentaries and found no help - but did find the same confusion as to who wrote the Psalm and when.  Many of the Psalms were written throughout the Israelites history by the hired musicians to be sung in the Temple.  Obviously, this was during a time of righteousness for the Kingdom when they were struggling to defeat an enemy. 

The Psalmist however reflects the same attitude of Peter in Mark 10:28 by reflecting on all the good things the people had done.  He asks the question of so many children of God in hard times.  "Why?"  It is in those times that try men's souls that we are brought down on our knees.  Regardless of our righteousness, we must remain humbled before our God who has provided the environment that we can be rightous in the first place.  If you are a Christian, imagine how hard it would be to claim your faith under Sharia Law! It is God who has allowed you to be Christian, it was not of your own doing.  In times such as Psalm 44, we must confess that we are still sinners before a Holy God and return to righteousness.  It is ok to ask God why, but at the same time, we need to be asking ourselves why God appears to be hiding from us.

This Psalm is a reminder that spirituality does not offer immunity. Life can still be hard and confusing.

Response to Proverbs 10:20-21

Righteousness, honor, and love go hand in hand. If one will speak through the gifts available through God's Holy Spirit, how can they go wrong.

Until tomorrow

Rick.

February 28, 2010, Leviticus 22:17-23:44, Mark 9:30-10:12, Psalm 44:1-8, Proverbs 10:19

Heavenly Father, We are but children in our understanding of you. Forgive our immaturity and use our thoughts and our words, we pray, to build your Kingdom according to your grand and glorious design.

Response to Leviticus 22:17-23:44

Reflecting on today's reading from Leviticus 22:17-33 regarding acceptable offerings, God is not interested in our leftovers.  He wants our very best.  But this is not just a push for money!  Roman's 12:5-13 explains offerings in our modern stressed economy: "we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
 
It is interesting that today's reading and our Levitical passage both talk about vows. So, let me share Jesus teaching about marriage as this is a modern application that affects both the family man and the child of God.
 
Matthew 19:3-12 is the sister passage to Mark 10:2-12 which is in our reading for today.  It says:
 
Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?"

"Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female, and said, For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

"Why then," they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?"

Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery."

The disciples said to him, "If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry."

Jesus replied, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it."

This may seem like a hard teaching.  As a married man, I struggled for a long time making my relationship with God a priority over my relationship with my wife.  Yet, I found the more I devoted time to her, the tougher our relationship became.  As I released the chain that attached me to her and invested more time in service for the Kingdom, my relationship either improved, or my patience did.  I'm sure this may be different for different couples as they deal with feelings of being smothered or abandoned, but in such situations, check your priorties and allow your spouse the real emotions they are experiencing.  A married man will generally have a tougher time making God a priority, yet, they may find that in working on making God that first priority, the difficulties in commiting to the marriage vow becomes easier.

Single men, there can be a great fulfillment as you fill your lives with spirituality and service for the Kingdom in the absence of marriage.  A good reading on the marriage vow and making God a priority is found in I Corinthians 7. Check it out with the Bible Gateway tool to the right of this blog.  The point of this discussion is that we make our vows and commitments in purity, giving one another and God our best!

Leviticus 22:26-30 symbolizes the number seven regarding the animals to be sacrificed.  Just as in the laws of circumcision the male child must be presented on the eighth day, so the newborn bull, sheep, or goat may not be presented as a sacrifice until the eighth day.  'Seven' appears to represent a purity and a completeness. Also, the eighth day has seemed to represent newness and the beginning of a union with God. God came on the eighth day in Leviticus 9, Christ rose from the dead on the first day after the Passover week. Presentation of sanctification and purity. Triumph, celebration, and dedication.

Leviticus 23 concerns festivals. Verses 1-3 deals with the weekly sabbath days.  The Jewish sabbath remains on the 7th day of the week, Christians celebrate on the eighth day - the first day of each new week in honor of Christ's resurection. As I do not know as much about Jewish days, but feel their observance would bring glory to God in our own lives and a dedication to understanding our brothers of the Jewish faith, I recommend visiting the following website to know some of the dates and festivals throughout the year.
http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/holidays/holiday_dates_calendar.htm

The following is a recommended book and offers detail on the festivals of Leviticus 23. As always, your  Your thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.

http://vmoodyart.com/chapters.html#weeks

If you would like more information or wish to purchase Valerie Moody's book, her is the information.

http://vmoodyart.com/books.html

Response to Mark 9:30-10:12

The focus of Jesus ministry changed following the "Mount of Witnesses" we discussed yesterday.  in Mark 9:30-32 (also see Matthew 17:22-23 and Luke 9:43-45), Jesus continues to explain to the disciples that He must die.  However, as they could not accept this due to their understanding of scripture, and given their belief in who He was, their hearts and their ears were stopped and they refused to believe. They dared not question, due to the stern rebuke given to Peter in Mark 8:33.

According to what we have read in Mark, up until this time, Jesus ministry was marked by mobs seeking signs and Jesus and His disciples were often apart.  Now there is a time of bonding and closeness as Jesus continues to prepare His disciples for His death, resurection, and departure. Mark 9:33-50 is also reflected in Matthew 18:1-9 and Luke 9:46-50.

I have noticed as we share together that the Bible is written in such a way as to seek and to save the lost, yet to discipline, or condemn if you will, the believer.  God knows our hearts and speaks to each of us wherever we are on our journey. None of us can stop growing today! Although Matthew speaks of coming to God as a child, Mark speaks of accepting the children.  This not only represents little kids, but the new believer also.  We'll come back to this after looking at verses 38-41.

What if you saw a brother of a different color - a believer of a different denomination or faith - performing good works in the name of God? Would you try to reform such a brother to your way of thinking, telling Him about the real Jesus from your point of view? Would you respond just how the disciples did in verse 38; "Lord make him stop - he is not one of us!" Jesus responds to us the same way today: "No" If someone is seeking God and doing good works in His name, who are we to condemn.  As a brother, we might become a friend and talk about Jesus! - growing up as brothers into the full knowledge of God. We must remember who we are following. Is it Christ who separates us from the Love of God? Or is it God's Love that Christ was sent to unite us in? He provided the only access to the Father for all who seek after the Creator, believing that He exists. (see Hebrews 11:6 and John 3:16-17). We're just sharing the Good News.

Therefore, if we would cause one who is immature in faith to lose their faith through our preaching of condemnation, God would rather tie a rock around our neck and shut us up in the depths of the sea where our hand may get caught motivating us to cut it off to save our life rather than to remain in the depths where our foot may get snared causing us to cut it off so that we could rise again rather than suffer in the depths where our eye may keep us in darkness forcing us to leave it behind rather than remain in the depths where death consumes and despair never ends. 

The refining fires of condemnation continue to spice up our life and inspire our spirituality.  So, accept the condemnation and discipline of God as it helps you to grow, but be at peace with your brother and share the Love of God.

We visited the sister verse to Mark 10:2-12 in our study of vows in Leviticus today. We are introduced to Mark's teaching about marriage with Mark 10:1 setting the place and the scene of Jesus again teaching those who had come to listen.  The Pharisees were there to test Jesus understanding of the law. Jesus turned the question around so that everyone could hear the law they spoke of.  He then used one of my premises in that the prophet always speaks to the heart and understanding of the individual. If we were to tell the young believer to believe every word they hear from the Bible and they turned to Deuteronomy 24:1-4, they would be confused and find justification to break their vow.  Jesus speaks to the heart of the law - beyond the words of Moses, and to the heart of the issue.  Quite often, it is better to listen to the Spirit of God within, who teaches us right from wrong and makes us Holy, rather than expecting a scripture verse to give us all truth.  All scripture may be inspired, but so is your mind and you must discern the scriptures. If it doesn't feel right and you call it into question, there is probably a good reason. You are a child of God. His Spirit within is the greatest Prophet you've got! Don't take the easy way out by justifying your behavior on a few verses from the Bible that agrees with what you know in your heart to be wrong, regardless of what your earthly teacher, including me, may say.

In writing this blog, My prayer is very similar to Solomon's in I Kings 3:7b-9a (NIV) "I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart."

One of the reasons I felt called to write this blog is that I was offended by the amount of hatred and hostility from the Christian community as President Obama rose to office.  I read "Audacity of Hope" and had a strong sense that President Obama also seeks the Lord's will. I saw a world at war between people who sought after God, yet hated one another, and decided I wanted to understand the truth in a better light.  So, here we are. 

I have come to see the writers of the books of the Bibles as the humans they were with the ideologies and experiences they had. I feel welcomed to discern their writings as led by the Spirit within.  Paul wrote in I Corinthians 2:12-16 "We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

So, here's my question. If we have the fruits of the Spirit which come from the mind of Christ, how can we have hate, enmity, strife, anger, selfishness, dissension, self-conceit (see Galatians 5:13-26).  Allow me to pose this answer.  There is one Spiritual man, and He is Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, the Son of God the Father Himself, born of the virgin Mary.  We are all at war within our bodies as the Holy Spirit of God fights against the desires of the flesh.  It is unfortunate indeed when that war spills out onto the landscape of life and we pit our desires of the flesh against one another.

Romans 7:22-25 (NIV) puts it this way: " For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!


So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. Therefore, all of us can rededicate ourselves to Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

I know, Jesus answer to the Pharisees in Mark 10:2-12 was a lot shorter.

Response to Psalm 44:1-8

Read the Psalm again and remember the battle is not against flesh and blood, but between the Spirit of God and the spirit of the flesh within. He will fight our battles for us if we will just follow in His wake! If we veer off course, as fun as that may be, He has a way of pulling us back tow. Enjoy the ride, if you let go of the rope, you're bound to get wet and you must have faith in the life preserver. Remember, there are a lot of children in your wake, hanging on behind you. Their ride depends on you staying safely in line with the captain.

Response to Proverbs 10:19

Perhaps I was long winded today as I believe "sin is not absent," I hope that you have received insight from God's word, and I thank you for your time.

Sincerely;

Rick.

February 27, 2010, Leviticus 20:22-22:16, Mark 9:1-29, Psalm 43:1-5, Proverbs 10:18

Lord, you alone are worthy to receive all our honor and our praise.  We confess our sins and ask for an extra measure of your Spirit as we study your word together. May our time be pleasing in your sight and may the thoughts and words we share illuminate our hearts and minds that through us, your light might shine on our fellowman, bringing other's closer to you.  Amen.

Response to Leviticus 20:22-22:16

Leviticus chapter 20 began by addressing the disturbing worship of the God Molech that was being done among the Israelites.  It went on to condemn wizards and sorcery, adultery, and other sins.  Our reading today from Leviticus 20:22-27 reminds the people of our theme "I am the Lord your God who made you Holy because I am Holy."  God chose this people, not because they were supposedly better than the rest of mankind, but because He would use them to carry forth His redemption plan for creation.  Therefore, as His special representatives  on earth, He said in verse 26: "You shall be holy to me; for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine." Notice, it was never God who belonged to the people, but the people who belong to God.  Therefore, "My God", becomes "Our God" through our commonality of creation and Our Father's redemption plan.  This does not change the fact that God chose this nation for His special purpose and performed great signs and wonders to the Glory of His name.

Considering yourself a child of God is a serious matter.  As His representative on earth, it is our call to draw all men unto the Father.  If we are pushing men away, something is wrong with our understanding of scripture.  Although the people were called to ceremony and sacriment, The family of Aaron received stricter laws of sanctification and consecration in Leviticus 18 and 19 as well as today's reading from Leviticus 21.  Among them, the High Priest was called to the most Holy service and honor to God.  The people were told to avoid the religious practices of the foreign nations but the High Priest was not even allowed to be with family at the death of a close family member.  He could not leave the sanctuary - but he could marry.  He could not have any noticeable affliction.  As God's nearest representative, He had to live a life which was most Holy.  This, again, should have affected this man's heart towards God and also was a visible sign to all the people of the Holiness of God. 

Note that in providing the plans for the son's of Zadok regarding the new temple that would be built, Ezekiel 44:15-31 reads very much like our reading in Leviticus.

Today, the belief of Christianity is that our Creator has now allowed all of us access to Himself through Jesus Christ, our High Priest who offered himself on the cross as God's Holy Sacrifice on our behalf.  He not only remains in the sanctuary, but sits at the right hand of the Father.  Romans 12:5 states: "so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."

Hebrews 2:17-3:6 states: "For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house" 

Hebrews 4:14-16 continues: "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Jesus said it this way in John 14:23-26: ""If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

Ephesians 1:17-23 speaks of the Father setting Christ up as our High Priest, calling us back unto Him: "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Finally, let's consider Leviticus 22:14-16.  No longer are the people of God not allowed to partake of the holy sacriment, but we are invited to the wedding feast of the lamb.  We celebrate this fellowship through the sacriment of communion laying claim to the body and blood shed on the cross on our behalf by our High Priest, Jesus Christ.

Response to Mark 9:1-29

In Mark 8:29, 32, and 33, we saw Peter respond to Jesus "You are the Christ." As the mindset of the Jews was that the Christ would be a conquering King, the fact Jesus changed the conversation to His death motivated a rebuke from Peter that this would not happen.  As we read, Peter then received the rebuke back from Jesus, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men."  It could very well be that Jesus was speaking directly to Satan, and not to Peter given the strength of this temptation that He Himself was experiencing.  Matthew 16:18 adds a comment following Peter's confession and before the rebukes in which Jesus blesses Peter and says "you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome." Peter indeed went on to become the leader of the Jerusalem Church. 

I am not sure why Mark 9:1 is so often separated from either Mark 9:2 and following or Mark 8:34-38.  "Jesus said to them, 'I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God come in power.'" This statement ties the preceeding conversation and understanding of the people directly into the Transfiguration of today's reading.  Mark 9:2 continues with the story. "And after six days (that makes this the 7th day), Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, (some of those who had been standing there), and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves; and he was transfigured before them!" They saw the power of His Glory! The King of Kings and Lord of Lords with the Heavenly prophets of old!

In a letter to the faithful, Peter wrote: "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.' We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.  And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."

In today's reading, we witness that day where Peter, James and John experienced Jesus Heavenly transformation and heard the Father's words: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" If there had been any question in their faith, this should have cured it.  This should have convinced them that when Jesus said He would die, they should believe it! But they still did not understand as their human faith had hardened their hearts to God's ultimate plan.  Throughout the rest of their lives, they too would continue to put the pieces together of what they had seen and heard and how it all related to the Jewish Scriptures from Moses, through Elijah, until their present day.  And, yet, I question whether they understood all things before they died, or whether we can still identify more truth through their words and through our own study of the scriptures today.

This story is also shared in Matthew 17:1-8 and Luke 9:28-36, each account is slightly different.  I have found various references listed in study guides that were not used by the disciples, but I also find their witness found in Isaiah 43:9-10. "All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Which of them foretold this and proclaimed to us the former things? Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right, so that others may hear and say, 'It is true.'  'You are my witnesses,' declares the Lord, 'and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.'" All five who stood with Jesus that day were witness to the plan of the Father.  Moses, Elijah, Peter, James, and John.  Each is a major player in this book of life we call the Bible.  We too play a part and are called to be witness. 

Am I, as a child of God, able to question whether their interpretation of Malachi 4:4-6 was correct? The passage states: "Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel. See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse."

The disciples upbringing had taught them a different theology.  Before the Messiah could come, Elijah would, based on this piece of scripture.  Into this mindset, Jesus speaks to them of John the Baptist, and their minds could wrap around that concept - as have ours.  However, Moses and Elijah had come before Christ.  All the law and the prophets had borne witness to the Prince of Peace!  Yet, the people of that day imagined God the Father to be one of wrath and judgement who would come and destroy everyone but the Jews. They could not imagine that their promised Messiah had come to die to save all men! And yet, there it is in Malachi 4:4-6 He would turn the hearts of the children to their Father, and the heart of the Father to their children, lest the creation would remain under the curse.  He had to die, to rise again! All the law, all the prophets, all the true witnesses to His life, and death, and resurrection agree. God stuck to His plan and His only begotten son, His chosen, obeyed.  His children today continue to interpret the scripture and mature in their understanding. Jesus himself did not refer to Malachi, but spoke of Elijah's life and all the troubles he faced.

The story of the demon posessed boy in Mark 9:14-29 is also shared in Matthew 17:14-21 and Luke 9:37-43.  Can you imagine what the tabloids would have done with Jesus, the celebrity, had they been there then? I'm sure they were in some capacity.  Having witnessed epileptic siezures, I am apt to agree that this boy suffered from epilepsy.  However, again, the purpose of Jesus ministry was not to train the people in modern medicine.  He spoke and performed signs within the understanding of the culture.  Have you noticed that Jesus has been becoming more and more frustrated with the crowd's dependance on miraculous powers, instead of understanding the purpose of the Kingdom?  I do not believe He was questioning the faith of the disciples in this story, but was expressing His disgust with having to perform yet another miracle for these people who would still despise and reject Him as He would not perform their ultimate requirement, freedom from Roman oppression. 

Having said that, I am quite sure I have dealt with demon possession within my own family.  I think our inability to see the truth of the gospel - and many of our addictions, could certainly be caused by demons.  I also believe that as we give our lives over to honoring God, we are able to win those battles. I cannot question the fact that as the demons of that day continued to speak to Jesus that something evil was definately involved.  If you think about it, I am sure you can recognize demon possession affecting your own life or those around you.  Do you believe God has the power to save? Is it worth commiting your life and the problem to Him? Do you believe He loves you enough to help? Call a friend and work through it together or seek help through a local church, and most importantly, pray unceasingly, it will cleanse your heart.

Did you hear Jesus rebuke of the boy's father when the father let slip a lack of faith? Verse 23: "If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." To which the Father responds with our highlight verse for today: Mark 9:24: "Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Amen!

Response to Psalm 43:1-5

As I read this Psalm, I thought it seemed like a continuation of Psalm 42.  I checked the footnote which said: "In many Hebrew manuscripts Psalms 42 adn 43 constitute one Psalm" 

Having just read Mark 9:19 where Jesus rebukes the crowd: "O unbelieving generation, How long shall I put up with you?" I can almost hear Him in Psalm 43:1: "Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; rescue me from deceitful and wicked men." 

You may sense that I too get frustrated with my fellowman.  And yet, I must admit that I am also plagued with unbelief.  I am on a quest to find and to understand the Love of God, because I believe it is out there even if I don't feel it day to day.  I am not a saint! I am but a man like you.  I am seeking God and I have faith that I will find him.  I do believe that although I have my doubts, there is a purpose I have been called to.  Yet, I too, must wait to see the Salvation of our God.  I also know that as I look back over my life, I will see that He was there all the time.  I too must put my "hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (vs. 5)

Response to Proverbs 10:18

In response to Psalm 43, I confessed my unbelief and frustration to you.  Due to the prodding of today's Proverb, I must also confess that I deal with hatred, bigotry, and slander even though I despise these very things in both myself and others who swear allegience to the Prince of Peace.  There, I said it and I displayed it. I confess it to you before God and I stand with you as a brother in need of our Savior's grace, mercy, forgiveness, and Love. He alone is worthy. Thank the Lord He serves as my Priest and King. 

Until tomorrow, my family;

Rick.

February 26, 2010, Leviticus 19:1-20:21, Mark 8:11-38, Psalm 42:1-11, Proverbs 10:17

Our Father, You have called us to be Holy as your children to bring honor to your name. Sometimes, in our guilt and failure, we feel unworthy of your calling.  Convict us we pray with your Love as we share your word together. May our thoughts and words reflect your Love invitinge all men to find the Glory and Power and Majesty that can be theirs in your Name.

Response to Leviticus 19:1-20:21

I know not all of us had the time or patience to read the passage, but I am thrilled you are here anyway! Allow me to reiterate a bit of what we read.  You may have noticed that Levicus 19 reflects the 10 commandments which we read on February 4 from Exodus 20.  Verse 2 reminds us of the reason for the law. "Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy."

However, in Leviticus 19:3 we begin the law with respect for parents and observance of the Sabbaths. In fact, in today's reading, except for new material, the commands from Exodus 20 are listed #4, #5, #2, #8, and #9 with the overall focus routinely repeated, "I am the Lord your God."

Verses 5-18 deals with the fellowship offerings and getting along as a society both in worship, and in living in general. Verse 15 suggests treating all persons as equal regardless of income and class.  Verse 18 suggests forgiveness in the heart and finishes with the 2nd commandment as listed in the New Testament. "Love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus quoted this verse as the second great commandment in Matthew 22:37-40.  Leviticus 19:18 is also referenced in Matthew 19:19, Mark 12:31, Luke 6:27-36, Luke 10:27 (story of the Good Samaritan(25-37))), Romans 12:19-21, Romans 13:8-10, Galatians 5:13-15, and James 2:8-10.  Look these passages up on the Bible Gateway tool to the right of this blog.  

Leviticus 19:14 is of particular importance to me. "Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind."  This reminds me of child games on the unfortunate among us.  However, when the Bible routinely speaks of God hardening hearts, stopping ears, or not allowing someone to see the light, perhaps there is more to this verse than we realize.  How important is it to believe that God so loved the world, not desiring any to perish, yet allowing - or even causing hard hearts, deaf ears, blind eyes?  As a parent, we are expected to have compassion on a child as we have suffered similar experiences. We are expected to help, knowing the nature of the beast.  I am convinced that this is our call as Children of God to help the children of the world, and not to oppress them. 

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." and Colossians 1:10 "And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God" 

These two verses back up this idea that those of us who have been granted the gift of maturing in the family are meant to raise up the children of the world. Rebellion is common in any family. It is up to us to help our child to see the light.  Do not curse the world or place the stumbling blocks of our human theology either in your own road or that of the unbeliever to keep them, or you from understanding the Love of God.  It is absolutely true that these stumbling blocks have been there since the beginning of time are are even represented within the hearts and minds of the Biblical writers as they shared what they knew of God out of the theologies of their own upbringings. yet, there are treasures hidden everywhere and the Bible itself corrects even their mindsets! If you want a treasure hunt, you found one. Build one another up in Love.

Have you questioned whether Moses was making up some of these laws as He was acting judge over the people? It almost sounds like a recording of some of his acts of office and a constitution for their culture.  There are purity laws in verse 19 and a continuation of ritual, civil, cultural, and agricultural laws for the remainder of chapter 19. Routinely, sections end with our theme of "I am the Lord your God".  The statement mentioned from verse 2 "Be Holy because I the Lord your God am holy" seems to carry throughout the chapter with this theme.

Before we leave chapter 19, I would like to mention Leviticus 19:33. "When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him.  The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born.  Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt." For those of us outside the Jewish faith who claim adoption into the family, we too are considered aliens.  As treatment of the alien is often joined with that of a widow or orphan, (Exodus 22:21-24, Deuteronomy 10:18-19) I think as children of God, we must be very careful again in how we treat the alien or foreigner among us.  This has everything to do with loving our neighbor as ourself and looking after the poor and needy.  I do not understand how mistreatment of foreigners has been justified by Bible based individuals or institutions.  Perhaps some of you can shed some light on this for me.

A second thought on this reminder that we are but aliens, adoptees into His family, is that we must observe these sacriments and ceremonies that God set up.  Jesus Christ may be our sacrifice, but notice the Jews also do not offer animal sacrifices. Observance of a Sabbath day is only the beginning of our honor to God.  What of all the other religious ceremonial and festival observances required in our Bible? It is good to be disciplined according to our Father's instruction. In so doing, our lights will share in the illumination of God's chosen people. Check out Yom Kippur, Passover, and Hannakuh observances this year! You won't be sorry! Of course this is if you wish to be considered a child of the King.
Leviticus 20 carries warnings against idol worship, detestable worship practices, adultery, and other sexual sins.  It seems to me a catch all and some repitition of laws set out in chapter 18.  Some of these laws certainly could have been used in the condemnation of David's sons Absolom and Amnon (see II Samuel 13 and II Samuel 16:20-23).  Beyond health of man and honor to God and man, I have little commentary to add here and leave this chapter open to your discussion.

Response to Mark 8:11-38

Again, we hear Jesus sigh 'deeply' as this reading opened with the Pharisees asking for a sign from heaven.  Isn't it amazing that his fame had spread throughout the countryside due to his signs and wonders - even to elders and friends of the synagogue - and yet, the people's thirst for more signs and wonders could never be satisfied? 

It appears this was not one of Jesus happier days.  The conversation of Mark 8:11-21 is also shared in Matthew 16:1-10.  Matthew 16:12 claims that the disciples understood Jesus statement in Mark 8:15 to be "that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees." The term "Sadducees" is used in Matthew instead of the term "Herod." It is believed that Herod was a member of the Sadducees. (Another denomination of Judaism if you will). Jesus had concerns with both. Remember his statement from Matthew 23:8, "you have one teacher, and you are all brothers."

Mark 8:19-20 reiterates what we have discussed regarding the feeding of the 5000 and 4000 in that the numbers of baskets picked up was important symbolically.  We have seen 'seven' to represent the completeness of God, and 'twelve' to represent the people of Israel through whom we have received the Bible and through whom Jesus Christ had His nationality and earthly identity.  I am concerned that the New Testament is preached so much without the Old Testament. It is easy to see the Love of Jesus Christ, but without a proper understanding of the Law, it is tough to understand how He fulfilled the law, nor to see how He was a manifestation of the Father's love.

As a Gideon member, (an organization that distributes Bibles worldwide) I handed Bibles out to students on a local college campus.  One student looked at the New Testament I was handing out and said "Wrong Testament" and gave it back to me.  Jesus also held up the importance of the Old Testament and the Law in Matthew 5:17-20; "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

The teaching of The New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:9-27 is full of the numbers "seven" and "twelve".  Nothing can separate the truth of God's word from Jewish culture, tradition, and history.  Through their scribes, prophets, and law, we have the gospel.  God's plan for salvation was portrayed through everything they were and are.  God is not finished with them yet. The Old Testament and the Law must be understood for the major religious groups on earth to see God the Father through Jesus Christ and understand the oracle.

In Mark 8:22-26, Jesus healed a blind man.  Beside's mention of Jesus visit to Bethsaida, this story is not told in the other gospels.  Jesus took the man out of the village, healed him in private, and told him to go home and to not even return into the village.  The focus of Jesus ministry as told in the remainder of Mark will be much more on who he was including his death and resurrection and teachings about the Kingdom.  There will be only two more mentions of his miracles of healing.

In Mark 8:27-30 (see also Matthew 16:13-20 and Luke 9:18-21) Jesus asks the question "Who do men say that I am?" It seems to me there were strong beliefs of reincarnation in the community as some say "John the Baptist" who had only recently died; others say Elijah, and others refer to other prophets.  Even after everything they had seen, the "Son of God" apparently was still a difficult consideration among the people.  However, Peter spoke up and said "You are the Christ".  Mark and Luke finish their records of the conversation with a call to secrecy, but Matthew alone writes of the blessing Peter received from Jesus for this statement.

Each of the passages just mentioned are followed with Jesus speaking of his death, resurrection, and second coming in very clear terms. Matthew and Mark include Peter's rebuke as Jesus knows the path he must follow that will lead to His death.

We finish with Jesus statement to His disciples then and now found in Mark 8:34-38;  "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." (similar passages found in Matthew 16:21-28, Luke 9:22-27, and John 12:24-26)

Response to Psalm 42:1-11

Wow, can I relate to this Psalm this morning! As a landscaper in Colorado, I am in my offseason. My main source of income is in snow removal.  With the poor economy, work is slow and bills use up my money faster than I can cause it to come in.  I have felt the Lord lay it upon my heart to write this blog, but it takes a lot of time, and there is little comfort in what benefit such a blog will be to me.

And yet, this past week I was able to sing praises to God in the Church choir and pray with the family of God! This coming week I am expecting my first grandchild! There is nothing I want more than to sing praises to God, my Rock and to spend time with you in His word.  At the same time that I despair in the present frustrations of life, I know that my God will bless this work! I know that He will come to my aid! I have confidence in what my eyes cannot see!

Psalm 42:1-2 is our focus verse today; "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." If you ask "where is your God, look at your trials?" My trials are my testament to you that I am no different than any man.  Yet, I know my Creator is real and active! I know my Savior carries me and my loved ones in the palm of His hand! I Am's Love gives my life purpose! I will daily praise my Lord and my King!

Response to Proverbs 10:17

What Father does not rebuke his son when he sees him making choices that will lead to ruin and despair? Would anyone truly imagine that such challenge in a brother's life - such attempt to provide long term happiness and contentment does not come from a heart of love? So, why question the fact that so many teachings of honor to God, parents, and family as we have found in the Bible do not stem from our source of Love?  In Him lies true contentment and joy.  If we have Him, we can still participate in life on earth! In fact, we find we can find more fulfillment in every aspect of life if we make our Creator and Redeemer number one in our lives.

Listen to the discipline of our Lord as He speaks to us of true faith in Luke 12:29-32: "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom."

Therein lies Hope! Psalm 42:11 "Put your hope in God, for (we) will yet praise Him, (our) Savior and (our) God!

Trust Him today with all your Heart, with all your Soul, and with all your Mind, for that is the First and most wonderful Commandment of all.

"And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him. How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it (does) not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." I John 2:28-3:3 (NIV)

Until tomorrow

Rick