2/12/24 “Serving God with a Pure Heart” (Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 25-27)

“Now Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. They invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. So, Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel” (Numbers 25:1-3)

Most of us have heard the expression, “Appearances can be deceiving”. When I think of this expression, one of the characters in the Bible that comes to mind is the Old Testament character named Balaam. Balaam appeared to say many things which were right and true, but inwardly, his motives were corrupt as he was filled with a desire for greed.

As the opening verses above indicate, during the years of wilderness wandering, the children of Israel committed harlotry with the women of Moab. To gain a better understanding of why Israel did this, one needs to look at the rest of the Bible and what it says about the prophet Balaam whom Balek, king of Moab, had hired to curse God’s people (Numbers 22:1-6).

While with Balek, God had insisted that Balaam only speak the words God instructed to him (Numbers 22:35). As a result, Balaam blessed God’s people instead of cursing them (Numbers 23:7-10, 18-24; 24:3-9, 17-24). Balaam then departs from Balak (Numbers 24:25). From reading only chapters 22-24 of the book of Numbers, one might think this is all there was to the story. However, the rest of the Scriptures shed great light on Balaam’s motives and actions.

Balak had promised Balaam great wealth (Numbers 22:15-17). Balaam was willing to curse God’s people because he was motivated by greed (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11). Moreover, it was Balaam who “taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality” (Revelation 2:14). The reason Israel committed harlotry with the women of Moab (Numbers 25:1) was because Balaam counseled Balak to tempt Israel to do this.

Balaam DID a lot of things which appear to be right. He did speak God’s Word to Balak. Time and time again, he pronounced God’s blessings upon Israel and refused to curse God’s people as Balak had wanted. He told Balak, "Look, I have come to you! Now, have I any power at all to say anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak" (Numbers 23:38). He also told the king of Moab, “…Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his!" (Numbers 24:10)

While Balaam appeared to DO and SAY the right things, these actions came from an evil heart motivated by greed (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11). In an effort to get financial gain, he counsels Balak to get God’s people to curse themselves by engaging in harlotry (Revelation 2:14; Numbers 25:1-3).

As I consider this, I am reminded I can DO and SAY many things which APPEAR to be right. But if my motivation for doing these things is evil (e.g. hate instead of love, pride instead of humility, greed instead of sacrifice, etc.), then, although my actions may appear right, they are wrong in God’s eyes because, like Balaam, my motives are corrupt. On the other hand, I may be struggling with a trial or a sin. I may fail time and time again. Each time I fail, I may reach up and grab God’s hand and ask for His help to continue. Those around me may just see my failure and think I am not really trying to serve God. But God knows my heart. Today, I will live striving to serve God out of a pure heart!

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

2/11/24 “Blessed by God” (Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 21-24)

"How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? And how shall I denounce whom the Lord has not denounced?” (Numbers 23:8)

How do you feel when you fail God? More importantly, how does God see His people who often succumb to their own weaknesses? As Christians, does God look upon us cursing us for our sins and failures or does He look upon us with His favor looking to bestow a blessing upon us?

In their journey through the wilderness Israel had settled in the plains of Moab on the east side of the Jordan River across from Jericho (Numbers 22:1). They had defeated Sihon the king of the Amorites and Og the king of Bashan (Numbers 21:21-35). They were ready to enter the Promised Land. However, Balak the king of Moab was very afraid of Israel and had hired Balaam to come and curse Israel so that he might be able to defeat Israel and drive them out of his land (Numbers 22:2-6).

But as the opening verse above indicate, instead of cursing God’s people Balaam blessed them (Numbers 23:8). In fact, later, as Balak again attempts to get Balaam to curse God’s people, notice what God says through Balaam: Referring to God, Balaam says “He has not observed iniquity in Jacob, nor has He seen wickedness in Israel. The Lord his God is with him…” (Numbers 23:21). God says He has not “observed iniquity in Jacob” or “seen wickedness in Israel”.

This is an interesting statement for God to make. In the preceding chapters that Moses records for us in the book of Numbers, we see many failures of Israel (e.g. the evil report of the 12 spies, Numbers 13:26-33; Korah leading a rebellion along with 250 other leaders of Israel against Moses’ and Aaron’s authority from God, Numbers 16:1-40; the people complaining about lack of water and Moses’ failure to glorify God when he disobey God’s command to speak to the rock, Numbers 20:1-13). Why does God, through Balaam, say to Balak, “I have not observed iniquity in Jacob?”

The answer lies in understanding the power of God’s forgiveness and His great desire to bless His people. Although Israel still bears the consequences of their sins and had to continue on their wilderness journey, God had forgiven them. God had great purposes for Israel and He didn’t allow their failures to cause Him not to fulfill those purposes. His desire to fulfill the promises He made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for Israel to inherit the Promised Land and through their descendants to send His Son to save the world (Genesis 12:1-3) was far greater than His disappointment with them regarding their sin. God focuses on His desire to bless us and not to curse us for our weaknesses!

As Christians, this gives us great encouragement. God loves His people. He loves us so much He gave His Son to die for us (John 3:16). Yes, God is disappointed when we stumble and sin; however, He has provided a way for us to be forgiven of our sins as Christians (1 John 1:7-9). After we have repented or our sins, the Lord doesn’t dwell on our failures. He focuses on how to bless us as we continue to walk with Him. The apostle Paul reminds us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). I am greatly encouraged to see that God focuses on His desires to bless me and not on how I fall short of His glory by my own sin (Romans 3:23). Today, I will not dwell on my failures, but I will rejoice in God’s desire to bless me!

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

2/10/24 “Allowing Frustrations to Get the Best of Us” (Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 18-20)

“Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them’" (Numbers 20:12).

Dale Carnegie stated, “Our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry, frustration and resentment”. Do you find yourself getting frustrated with what is happening in your life or with other people in your life? Allowing ourselves to get weighed down by the temptation of frustration, can, not only rob us of the joy God wants us to have, but can even rob God of the glory we ought to give Him.

As the Israelites continued their 40 years journey in the wilderness, they began to complain again about not having enough water (Numbers 20:1-5). It is interesting that God calmly instructs Moses to speak to the rock and the rock will bring forth water for the people and their animals (Numbers 20:6-8). However, Moses is not calm. He is extremely frustrated with God’s people. He is getting sick and tired of their rebellion. In his frustration he does not speak to the rock; instead, he strikes the rock and says, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” (Numbers 20:10)

Water flows from the rock and the people’s thirst is satisfied (Numbers 20:11). However, as the opening verse above indicates, Moses failed to glorify God and “hallow God in the eyes of the children of Israel” (Number 20:12). Because Moses had allowed His frustration with God’s people to get the best of him, Moses would not be allowed to bring the Israelites into the Promised Land.

Although God viewed what Moses had done as a very grave matter, God did forgive Moses and let Moses continue to lead God’s people through the wilderness. In fact, in His mercy and grace, God would let Moses go up to the top of Mount Nebo and view the Promised Land before God took Moses to his heavenly reward (Deuteronomy 34:1-7).

As I read this, I can appreciate how frustrated Moses must have been with this people who were always complaining about something. I can also appreciate the challenge that leaders in the church today face as they have to continue to strive to maintain a reverence for God and keep Him hallowed in the eyes of the people of God when many times Christians in the church complain about things which they ought not. Life is full of numerous things which we can let frustrate us if we choose to, but we do not have to make this choice!

When the feelings of frustrations swell up in our hearts, we tend to try to solve them all by ourselves. During such times, we tend to think, “How am I going to solve this?” This usually leads to greater feelings of frustration because we find we are unable to solve the problems we face. Instead, we can choose to give these things over to God and not try to solve them all by ourselves.

As a Christian, I need to keep my eyes on God. I must be careful about trusting in myself when dealing with difficult situations or with difficult people. It is during such times that I can often fail to give God the glory which He deserves and end up trying to glorify myself to my own shame. Today, I refuse to allow the frustrations of life to get the best of me. I will give these over to God and try to keep my focus on hallowing Him and glorifying Him by my faith and trust in Him!

“I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore” (Psalm 86:12).

2/9/24 “Is a Little Rebellion Every Now and Then a Good Thing?” (Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 15-17)

“They gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, ‘You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?’" (Numbers 16:3).

As Americans, many have difficulty wanting to respect authority. Many of us grew up in a generation which encouraged us to “question authority”. One of our founding fathers Thomas Jefferson said, “I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing”. However, how does God feel about those who rebel and fail to respect His authority or those whom He has appointed to positions of authority?

Following their spies evil report about the Promised Land and their own lack of faith in God’s promises, Israel begins their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness (Numbers 14:33-34). Some among them began to blame Moses’ leadership instead of their own lack of faith for their having not reached the Promised Land (cf. Numbers 16:13-14). As the opening verse above indicates, Korah, who was of the tribe of Levi, leads a group of 250 other leaders in Israel and challenges the authority of Moses (Number 16:1-3). God did not take this matter lightly.

God has each of these 250 men bring a censer filled with fire and incense and come before the Lord at the tabernacle of meeting (Numbers 16:4-19). Moses tells the people why God had them do this: “And Moses said: ‘By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will. If these men die naturally like all men, or if they are visited by the common fate of all men, then the Lord has not sent me. But if the Lord creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will understand that these men have rejected the Lord’” (Numbers 16:28-30). Korah and his family are swallowed up by the earth and the 250 men who participated in the rebellion with Korah are devoured by fire (Numbers 16:31-35).

Following this, God has Eleazar the priest take the bronze censers that these men had used and hammer them out as a covering for the altar of burnt offering to serve as a memorial (Numbers 16:36-40). Every time an Israelite came to the tabernacle, they would see these bronze censers which now covered the altar of burnt offering outside the tabernacle. This would remind them the importance of respecting God’s authority and those whom God has placed in positions of authority.

As Christians, we are told that these events we read about in the Old Testament, such as Korah’s rebellion against Moses, were written for our learning (Romans 15:4). It is fundamental for us as Christians to learn to live within the boundaries God has set for us. We need to respect God’s authority and those whom God has placed in positions of authority (cf. John 12:48; Romans 13:1; Hebrews 13:17). We are told to submit to God so that the devil may flee from us (James 4:7).

A little rebellion against God, His authority, and those whom He has placed in positions of authority is not a good thing. I need to remember that God is God, not me. I realize that God knows best and I accept that God has all authority over me in all areas of my life. I will not be like Korah and those who rebelled along with him against Moses by “questioning” his authority. I will strive to have the attitude of Samuel who said, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears” (I Samuel 3:9). Today, I rejoice in God’s authority as He guides me in my walk with Him!

“Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes” (Psalm 119:135).

2/8/24 “Grasshoppers or Conquerors?” (Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 12-14)

“And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, ‘The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight’ "(Numbers 13:32-33).

When obstacles enter the path of your journey, do you tend to focus on the obstacles or are you able to keep your eyes fixed on the goal you are seeking to achieve? Many of the problems that enter our paths are significant, but this does not mean they are unsurmountable.

When Caleb went with Joshua and 10 other leaders in Israel to spy out the Promised Land, they saw its abundant fruit and that it was a land that flowed with milk and honey (Numbers 13:26-27). However, they also saw its defenses and that it was inhabited by strong and powerful people including giants (Numbers 13:28-29). It was a land filled with both blessings to be enjoyed and obstacles to be overcome. All the spies saw the same circumstances the nation of Israel faced.

How did the spies react to the circumstances which they saw? Two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb focused on the goal of conquering the Promised Land through God’s power. Caleb said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30). However, most of the spies focused on the obstacles that lay in their path and limited themselves to looking at only their own ability to conquer the land. They said, “We are not able to go up against this people, for they are stronger than we” (Numbers 13:31). They were intimidated by the giants and this made them feel like grasshoppers as compared to these giants (Numbers 13:33).

Joshua and Caleb were not oblivious to the challenging circumstances that lay before them, but they refused to limit themselves by only looking at themselves and their own ability to conquer the land. Instead, they looked up. They looked up in faith and placed their faith in God’s ability to conquer the land: “and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: ‘The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, 'a land which flows with milk and honey'” (Numbers 14:8-9).

As I consider this Biblical account, I am reminded that as Christians we face the same challenges in life other people face (e.g. problems at work, challenges in our families, financial concerns, etc.). At times, I fail to look up and look at myself and think, “How am I going to solve this problem I face?” When I do this, I come away discouraged feeling like a grasshopper trying to solve my problems.

But, when I face these same problems and choose to remember God’s power to act in my life and rely on his ability to lead me through these circumstances, my heart is lifted and I am filled with peace, joy, and love, even though I am facing the same circumstances. I am trusting in God’s power even though I do not know how He is going to solve everything. I only know that He can and He will!

I want to be like Joshua and Caleb who kept their eyes on the prize and relied on God’s power to enable them to obtain it. I do not want to be like the 10 spies who focused only on the obstacles they faced and on the weakness of their own power. Today, I will remember God’s power to act in my life and lift me up from feeling like a grasshopper and has made me into a conqueror!

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

2/7/24 “Yielding to the Craving of Discontent” (Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 9-11)

“Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so, the children of Israel also wept again and said: ‘Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!’ "(Numbers 11:4-6).

How would you rate your level of contentment with the things you have? Are you filled with peace and joy as you rejoice at all the blessings in your life or do you struggle with envy and jealousy because, as you compare yourself with others, you wish you had some of the things they do?

The children of Israel had left the bondage of Egypt and had gathered at Mount Sinai to hear God speak to them (Exodus 19:1-20:20). Then they began their journey from Mount Sinai and were headed to the Promised Land (Numbers 10:11-13). During their time in the wilderness, God had provided them with food to eat by giving them manna from heaven each day (Exodus 16:4-36). They could visibly see that God was leading them by the cloud that led them by day (Numbers 10:34).

However, when they left Egypt not only did the children of Israel depart, but a “mixed multitude”, which probably included some God-fearing Egyptians, went with them as well (Exodus 12:38). Now that “mixed multitude” was no longer content with the manna God had provided for them to eat. They gave in to an “intense desire” to have meat. As the opening verses above indicate, this grumbling spread and all the children of Israel become discontent. Not only were they discontent with the manna God had provided, but now they loathed the manna God had given them (Numbers 11:4-6).

It is interesting that God did give His people the meat they desired. In fact, in His chastening of His people over their sin, for a whole month God caused so many quails to fly among them that they ate meat until it came out of their nostrils (Numbers 11:18-20, 31-32). Also, in His wrath, God also struck the people with a plague (Number 11:33). Israel would name this place “Kibroth Hattaavah” which means “Graves of Craving” (Numbers 11:34). The name of this place on the map would forever serve as a reminder to Israel of the dangers of discontentment.

As I read this, I cannot help but ask myself, “How often do I fail to be content with what God has provided for me?” Like the “mixed multitude” it is so easy for me to take my eye off rejoicing in the things which God has given to me (e.g. my family, my relationship with Him, my job, my health, my daily food, etc.) and begin to become discontent by moaning over the things which He has not chosen to give me (e.g. excessive wealth, perfect health, the “perfect” family). Like Israel, I often times listen to those around me (e.g. TV commercials, my peers, etc.) instead of listening to God. As a result, this breeds discontentment in my heart and I make myself miserable.

As Christians, it is vitally important that we “learn” contentment. We all have desires that we struggle with that can lead to sin (James 1:14-15). The key is to not let these desires become “intense desires” by dwelling on these desires instead of on God and submitting ourselves to His Will. God has provided us with so many blessings! Today, I will take time to rejoice in what God has given me and work on not letting Satan lead my heart astray through discontentment.

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philippians 4:11-12).

2/6/24 “Blessing One Another” (Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 6-8)

“Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace”’ " (Numbers 6:23-26).

As Christians what kinds of things should we be saying to each other? When we gather, at times, we discuss the Scriptures. At other times, we may even need to confront each other, when we one of us is not walking according to the Scriptures (cf. James 5:19-20). Are there other kinds of conversations we should be having with each other to encourage one another in keeping the faith?

Following the erection of the tabernacle, as recorded in the books of Leviticus and Numbers, Moses receives a lot of detailed instructions from God that he was to share with God’s people. God expected his people to follow these commands and not waver from them in the least. After giving Moses detailed instructions, regarding how one was to carry out the “vow of a Nazarite” (Number 6:1-21), God tells Moses another important command that He wanted the priest to follow.

This command was not about an offering the Lord wanted them to make or a ceremonial cleansing He wanted them to follow. As the opening verses above indicate, this command was about a blessing He wanted them say to God’s children. As the priests blessed the children of Israel, they were calling upon God to bless, keep, make His face shine upon, be gracious, smile upon them, and give them peace (Numbers 6:22-26). By blessing the people with these words, God said, “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them” (Numbers 6:27).

As one who often teaches and even preaches to God’s people, I often instruct my brethren in God’s laws and challenge their commitment to Christ. I want them to grow and mature as followers of Christ. This is necessary. Preachers are to convince, rebuke and exhort. Paul told Timothy, “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:1-2). There is certainly a place for convincing God’s people of important truths and of rebuking them when they fail to follow them.

However, as Paul wrote to Timothy, he also spoke about the importance of exhorting God’s people. While keeping God’s laws are very important, following God is not just about keeping His commands. Following God also involves remembering that we are recipients of His blessings. Christians need to be encouraged that God loves them and wants to bless them. It is a challenge to live the Christian life and sometimes Christians need to be reminded that God is eager to bless them! They need to be reminded that the Lord makes His face shine upon them and desires to be gracious to them. God’s people also need to be reminded that God smiles upon them as He lifts up His countenance and wants to give peace to their lives.

As Christians, sometimes we focus too much on each other’s shortcomings and weaknesses. Instead of encouraging each other, we discourage each other. Instead of blessing each other, we curse each other (James 3:10). It is interesting that the apostle Paul could strongly rebuke a church like the church at Corinth which struggled with many sins, and, yet, still called on God to bless them. Remember that your brethren in Christ are a blessing and put God’s name on them to bless them.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen” (2 Corinthians 13:14).

2/5/24 “Accountable to Carry Out My Task” (Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 2-5)

“According to the commandment of the Lord they were numbered by the hand of Moses, each according to his service and according to his task; thus, were they numbered by him, as the Lord commanded Moses” (Numbers 4:49)

Regarding church growth, who in the church plays the largest role in growing the church? Is it a dynamic preacher, a charismatic Bible class teacher, or a bold and visionary leader?

As the children of Israel were making their way through the wilderness, God calls Moses to number the people. First, he has Moses number all of the tribes of Israel, except the tribe of Levi. God tells Moses, “"Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, every male individually, from twenty years old and above--all who are able to go to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall number them by their armies” (Numbers 1:2-3). The important role of these individuals was to fight against the current inhabitants of the Promised Land and to conquer it as it had been given to the nation of Israel by God.

Next, God has Moses number the tribe of Levi (Numbers 3:5-6). Their role Levites was to attend to the needs of Aaron the high priest, the needs of the whole congregation before the tabernacle, and to do the work of the tabernacle (Number 3:7). The opening verse above comes after God had given instructions to the sons of Levi as to what each of their particular duties was to be in the service in the tabernacle (Numbers 4:49). Those of the sons of Levi who were of the family of the Gershon were responsible for carrying the coverings of the tabernacle (Numbers 3:25-26). Those of the sons of Levi who were of the family of Kohath were responsible for the holy things of the tabernacle such as the ark, the table, and the lampstand (Numbers 3:30-31). Those of the sons of Levi who were of the family of Merari were in charge of the framework of the tabernacle such as the boards, bars, and pillars (Numbers 3:36-37). Eleazar, the son of Aaron, was to oversee all of this (Numbers 3:32). Everyone had a particular way in which he was to serve for the overall good of the nation of Israel.

Today, the church is described as the “body of Christ” in which each Christian is described as a member of that body with a particular function regarding how they are to serve for the overall benefit of the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:12-26). In describing how the church is to continue to grow in Christ (Ephesians 4:15), the apostle Paul describes the role each church member is to contribute to that growth as he writes, “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16). However, God does not tell each of us as Christians exactly how He wants us to serve in His church. He has given us the liberty of discover our own ability and to use that ability for the building up of His body, the church, to His glory.

As Christians, each of us has an important part to play in the growth of the church. No one in the church is more important that anyone else when it comes to the growth of the body of Christ. We are so blessed to discover and use the unique abilities God has given us to minister to others. Today, I will remember that I am an important part of church and I have a unique part to play in its growth. I will remember that I am accountable to carry out my task in the church to God’s glory!

“Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:26-28).

2/4/24 “God’s Chastening of Us” (Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 26-Numbers 1)

“I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves; I have broken the bands of your yoke and made you walk upright. But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments…” (Leviticus 26:12-14).

How many of us enjoyed being corrected by our parents growing up? Although I can now look back on my life and see how their chastisement of me was for my good, at the time when I received their guidance, in the form of a paddle or by being placed on restriction, I did not appreciate what they did.

Do we appreciate God’s correction? We often praise God’s grace, mercy, and love, but what about His correction? The Bible clearly teaches that God corrects us: “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:7-11).

As Moses continues to receive God’s instructions following the erection of the tabernacle of meeting, God describes the blessings He will shower upon Israel if they walk within the confines of His commandments (Leviticus 26:3-13). However, in the same context, God also details His chastening of them if they choose to not follow His laws (Leviticus 26:14-39). As can be seen from the number of verses warning of God’s chastening versus the number of verses speaking of God’s blessing, God wanted Israel to fear God and keep His commandments. Yet, if Israel disobeyed God, God would forgive them once they confessed their sins, repented, and returned to Him (Leviticus 26:40-45).

Why did God go to such lengths to warn Israel of the potential chastening they would receive if they disobeyed Him? God realized the difficulty the Israelites would have in remaining faithful to Him while living in a world where they were constantly surrounded by sin. He did not want His people to return to the bondage of sin. He would do all that was in His power, including chastening His people, to prevent this from happening.

When we read a chapter like Leviticus 26, we can choose to think how harsh God is to His people because He chastens them for their sins. However, reacting in this manner is the way a child reacts to his or her parents who through chastening are trying to give them loving guidance. It is because of God’s great love for His people that He chastens them. The wise man Solomon wrote an inspired age-old truth: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights” (Proverbs 3:11-12).

As a Christian, I am not perfect. Sometimes I take my eye off God. At times, I am able to recognize the error of my ways and repent of it. At other times, God needs to chasten me so I will “come to my senses” and recognize the error of my ways and repent. Part of my maturing as a Christian is to embrace the fact that God loves me enough to chasten me so that I will continue to “walk uprightly” and not fall back under the bondage of sin. Praise God that He loves me enough to chasten me!

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19).

2/3/24 “Proclaiming Liberty throughout the Land” (Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 23-25)

“Then you shall cause the trumpet of the Jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall make the trumpet to sound throughout all your land. And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you; and each of you shall return to his possession, and each of you shall return to his family.” (Leviticus 25:9-10).

Can you imagine what it would be like to be in bondage to another person? If you were in that position, can you picture how you long for the day when you could be set free?

One of the interesting events celebrated during Old Testament times was the Year of Jubilee. The year of Jubilee was observed in Israel every 50 years. God understood that because of hard times some Israelites might have to sell their land possessions or even themselves into servitude in order to survive (cf. Leviticus 25:25, 39-40). God also understood that this could lead to the Israelites mistreating those who had fallen upon hard times: “Therefore you shall not oppress one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 25:17). The Year of Jubilee was instituted by God for the purpose of preventing such oppression of one another.

During this year, those whom had purchased their brethren in servitude or their brethren’s lands because of debts were required to return them to freedom and their lands back to their possession (Leviticus 25:28, 30, 40-41). In addition, the Israelites were not to sow nor reap during this year (Leviticus 25:11). In fact, they would not have sown nor reaped the year prior to this (Leviticus 25:3-4, 8-9). Yet God provided for them: “And if you say, ‘What shall we eat in the seventh year, since we shall not sow nor gather in our produce?’ Then I will command My blessing on you in the sixth year, and it will bring forth produce enough for three years.” (Leviticus 25:20-21). This year served as a vivid reminder that the Israelites were to trust in God to provide for them, not in themselves.

During this 50th year on the 10th day of the 7th month, the Day of Atonement, the “trumpet of Jubilee” was to sound throughout the land of Israel (Leviticus 25:9). As the opening verses above indicate, liberty was proclaimed throughout the land. It was a time for the Israelites who had been sold into servitude to be made free. It was a time for those who had sold their land in order to pay off debts to be able to reclaim it back (Leviticus 25:10). Can you imagine if you were an Israelite in servitude or had sold you land because of debt how great it would be to hear that trumpet sound?

Jesus taught us that whoever sins is a slave to sin (John 8:34). Satan holds us captive by our own sin. He is unwilling to free us from this bondage. However, Jesus came to free us from this bondage to sin. As I think about the year of Jubilee, I am reminded of the words of Jesus: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19).

The longer I live the more I realize how true it is that sin holds us in bondage to Satan. Many souls are enslaved to him and don’t even realize it. Their lives are filled with misery; yet, they don’t know why. I praise God that because of Jesus and His sacrifice for me, God has set me free from this terrible bondage of sin. He has shown me a better way. Today, I celebrate that, even though I had sold myself into slavery by my own sin, Jesus has proclaimed and provided liberty to me!

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

2/2/24 “Glorifying God in a Sex-Crazed World” (Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 20-22)

“You shall therefore keep all My statutes and all My judgments, and perform them, that the land where I am bringing you to dwell may not vomit you out. And you shall not walk in the statutes of the nation which I am casting out before you; for they commit all these things, and therefore I abhor them” (Leviticus 20:22-23).

Consider the following statistics regarding the sex-crazed society in which we live: Minutes until another pornographic movie is made: 39; Amount spent on pornography each second: $380; Percentage of pornographic websites produced in the U.S.: 89 (source: preaching today). Does God really expect us to be able to keep ourselves pure in the midst of such a sex-crazed society?

In the context of the opening passage above, God describes a long list of sexual sins the nations that were currently in the Promised Land, which Israel was about to inherit, had committed. These sins included adultery (Leviticus 20:10), incest (Leviticus 20:11), homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13), and even bestiality (Leviticus 20:15-16) among others. Because these nations had committed these sexual sins, among other sins, God was casting them out of the land Israel was going to inherit (Leviticus 20:23). The iniquity of the Amorites was complete (cf. Genesis 15:16).

Yet, God, not only believed, but expected His people to keep themselves from being defiled by the society around them (Leviticus 20:22). How? Instead of focusing on the messages sent to them by the culture in which they lived, they were to focus on God’s statutes and commandments (Leviticus 20:23). They were to focus on God’s message and be holy as God is holy (Leviticus 20:26).

We live in an age where sexual immorality is rampant. We are bombarded with commercials that exploit people’s weaknesses to give into sexual lusts. Pornography is a huge business. Christian young people have a difficult time finding a mate who has not already engaged in sexual relations with multiple partners. Our society has taken what God has said He abhors (e.g. adultery and homosexuality) and not only tolerates it, but promotes it! It is a challenge to strive to live a Christian life in such an environment and not allow this to weigh you down.

Sometimes, the tendency as a Christian is just to focus on condemning the world for practicing these things. The result is we come across as being judgmental and this doesn’t exactly attract people to want to follow Christ. The truth of the matter is these sins are just among many sins with which mankind struggles. While these sexual sins are sins which God abhors, God abhors the sins against which we all struggle. All of us have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).

I thank God that He has provided a way through His Son to know His truth, have the opportunity to repent, and be forgiven of my sin (John 14:6). I am also thankful for my brethren who strive to live godly lives in a world where we are constantly bombarded by ungodliness. I acknowledge that as long as I am in the world, I will live in the midst of ungodliness. I refuse to allow the ungodliness around me to diminish my ability to be a light for God to show others who struggle with sin the blessings Christ has brought into my life. Today, I will strive to glorify God in the world in which I live!

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15).

2/1/24 “Coming Together for Worship” (Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 17-19)

“Whatever man of the house of Israel who kills an ox or lamb or goat in the camp, or who kills it outside the camp, and does not bring it to the door of the tabernacle of meeting to offer an offering to the Lord before the tabernacle of the Lord, the guilt of bloodshed shall be imputed to that man. He has shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people” (Leviticus 17:3-4).

Where should I go to worship God? Does it matter whether I go on a regular basis to church to worship God or can I just worship Him in the place I choose?

The verses above shed some light on this question. These verses are not speaking about the killing of an animal for food purposes, but the killing of an animal as a sacrifice to God. God did not want such animal sacrifices to be made just anywhere, but insisted that such animal sacrifices be brought to the tabernacle of meeting (Leviticus 17:4). The result God wanted was: “to the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices which they offer in the open field, that they may bring them to the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of meeting, to the priest, and offer them as peace offerings to the Lord” (Leviticus 17:5). Notice what God would impute to the person who failed to obey this command of God: God would impute to them the “guilt of bloodshed” (Leviticus 17:4)!

Why was this? First, God considered the death of an animal as a sacrifice to Him as a solemn matter: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11). Second, God was also concerned that His people would also begin practicing false worship if each of them worshipped in the place of their choice. He was concerned that they would be tempted to sacrifice to demons (Leviticus 17:7) and eat the blood of the animal (Leviticus 17:10).

The Old Testament law was taken away when Jesus died on the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16; Hebrews 8:6-8; 9:15-17). As Christians, we do not offer animal sacrifices today or assemble together at the Old Testament tabernacle of meeting. This is because the blood of God’s Son Jesus Christ was shed for our sins to make atonement for our souls (1 Peter 1:18-19; Romans 5:11).

However, just as God was concerned in Moses’ day that His people would be tempted to falsely practice worshipping Him in the place of their choice (Leviticus 17:3-4), He is also concerned about Christians today being tempted not to assemble with their fellow saints to worship Him. The Hebrew writer states: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). It is interesting to note in the context of the same passage he speaks about not appreciating the significance of the blood of Christ: “Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace” (Hebrews 10:29)?

I celebrate the sacrifice of God’s Son for my sins. I do not want to treat His blood as a common thing. I understand the importance that God places on my coming together with my fellow Christians to worship Him. I don’t go to church because I have to. I go because I want to! Today, I will strive that, whenever the saints meet together, I will be there to praise God and what He has done for me!

“Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation” (Psalm 111:1)

1/31/24 “The Day of Atonement” (Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 14-16)

“This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you. For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the Lord” (Leviticus 16:29-30).

We who seek to follow God desire His presence to be with us at all times. We want to be able to say as did David, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). However, how can God, who is perfect and holy, dwell among people who are not and fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23)?

The Old Testament feast of the Day of Atonement reminds us of how God made this possible. The word “atonement” is from a Hebrew word which means, “to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation”. On this Day of Atonement God showed how His people’s sins could be covered or purged so that they could be reconciled to God and He could dwell and be “At-One” with them.

In ancient Israel, God’s presence among the Israelites was represented by the Tabernacle which dwelt in the midst of their camp (Exodus 40:33-38). This Tabernacle contained 2 parts, the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. In the Most Holy Place dwelt the Ark of the Covenant above which was the Mercy Seat where God said “there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you…” (Exodus 25:22). Thus, God’s presence would be in Israel’s midst. But how could God who was perfect and holy dwell among this nation who struggled so much with sin?

As the opening verses above indicate (Leviticus 16:29-30), once a year, on the 10th day of the 7th month, a special Day of Atonement was observed. On this day, the High Priest sacrificed a bull as a sin offering for his own sins. After this, he took 2 goats and presented them at the door of the Tabernacle with a view of dealing with the sins of God’s people as a whole. One goat would be slain as a sin offering for the people and its blood brought into the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of Israel (Leviticus 16:15-19). The other goat, the scapegoat, was then presented before God at the tabernacle of meeting. The High Priest would confess over this goat the sins of the children of Israel. This goat would then be sent far away and released in the wilderness, thus to bear the sins of Israel far from the presence of God (Leviticus 16:20-22). Thus, God’s presence could be among the Israelites because their sins had been atoned for by the blood of the one goat and their sins removed far away from God’s presence by being borne by the scapegoat in the wilderness!

As I read this, I marvel at the mercy, grace, and justice of God. He made these provisions for Israel looking forward to the time when Christ would come and be sacrificed for the sins of all mankind to satisfy the justice of God. Isaiah wrote, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). He both bore our iniquities and atoned for our sins by His one sacrifice of Himself. Today, I rejoice that God has provided a way for me to have my sins atoned for by the sacrifice of His Son so that I might be reconciled to Him and enjoy His presence in my life!

“Nowall these things are from God, whoreconciled us to HimselfthroughChrist and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christreconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

1/30/24 “Profane Worship or Proper Worship” (Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 10-13)

“Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. So, fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord” (Leviticus 10:1-2).

Does it matter how we worship God? As long as our intent is to engage in the worship of God, does God care what we do in worship or how we conduct ourselves during worship?

The Biblical account of what happened to Nadab and Abihu clearly shows that it does matter how we worship God. As the opening verses above indicate, fire went out from the Lord and devoured Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, and they died before the Lord. Why did this happen to them? They had “offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them” (Leviticus 10:1-2). It is important for us to consider the question: “Why did God have Moses record these events for us?”

It is interesting to note immediately preceding these events, Aaron and his sons, including Nadab and Abihu, had been consecrated to serve the Lord as priests. They had witnessed God’s glory as fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering they had made upon the altar after their consecration (Leviticus 9:24). In fact, there were still portions of these sacrifices that had been offered (Leviticus 9:1-24) that had yet to be eaten by Aaron and his sons (Leviticus 10:12-20).

Now, another fire came out from the Lord and devoured Nadab and Abihu because they offered profane fire before the Lord. Moses then tells Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke, saying: 'By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified’” (Leviticus 10:3). There is some question about whether Nadab and Abihu were intoxicated when they offered this “strange fire” (cf. Leviticus 10:8-11); nevertheless, regardless of “why” they did this, Nadab and Abihu did do it. They engaged in worship of God that clearly did not please God!

In an age in which everyone seems to do as he or she pleases, sometimes we think we can worship God anyway we please. Some forget that the object of worship is God. We are to strive to please Him by our worship and not please ourselves. Throughout the Scriptures, for example, Cain’s failure to offer the sacrifice God had prescribed (Genesis 4:3-5; Hebrews 11:4) or Uzza’s death because he touched the ark of God which he had not been authorized to do (1 Chronicles 13:9-10), we see that God expects those who come to worship Him are to worship Him according to what pleases Him, not what pleases them! God takes seriously how we approach him in worship and so should we!

In the church I attend our worship service to God involves our engaging in singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), praying (Acts 2:42), giving (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), preaching (Acts 2:42), and weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Acts 20:7) out of grateful hearts praising God (Acts 2:47). While some may view this as a very simplistic worship service, from the above Scriptures, we know the early Christians engaged in these acts of worship and pleased God. We worship God in this way out of respect for His Word and because we desire to please Him!

I am reminded of Jesus’ warning to those of His day, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8-9). Today, when I am worshipping God, I will strive to make sure that I am worshipping Him according to His Will, not mine!

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

1/29/24 “Consecrated Priests” (Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 6-9)

“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, the anointing oil, a bull as the sin offering, two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread; and gather all the congregation together at the door of the tabernacle of meeting’ ” (Leviticus 8:1-3).

What does God expect of those who come to worship Him? While Jesus said we are to worship God in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24), are there any other expectations God has of those worshipping Him? How does the manner we live our daily lives affect the way God receives our worship?

In the book of Leviticus, as God speaks to Moses from the tabernacle of meeting, Moses is given instructions regarding the various animal sacrifices Israel was to offer in worship to God (Leviticus 1:1-7:38). As the opening verses above indicate, following these instructions, God gives guidance regarding the priests who were going to be offering the animal sacrifices. Before these priests were allowed to serve, God has Moses and Israel to consecrate these priests to God (Leviticus 8:1-3).

What does it mean to “consecrate” something? Consecration is the solemn dedication to a special purpose or service, usually religious. The word "consecration" literally means "to associate with the sacred". Before the priests would be allowed to serve in being allowed to offer the animal sacrifices in sacred worship to God, they themselves had to undergo a process so they could “associate with the sacred”. This process was known as consecration (cf. Leviticus 8:10, 11, 22, 31, 33).

It is interesting to observe what was done to “consecrate” the priests of Moses’ day. After the entire congregation of Israel gathered at the door of the tabernacle of meeting, Aaron and his sons are washed with water (Leviticus 8:4-6). Moses then takes garments, which had been made for the priests, and puts the high priest’s garments on Aaron (Leviticus 8:7-9) and the priest’s garments on the sons of Aaron (Leviticus 8:13). He also anoints Aaron with the anointing oil since Aaron is to serve as the high priest for the children of Israel (Leviticus 8:12). Following this, Moses offers a sin offering (Leviticus 8:14-17), and a burnt offering (Leviticus 8:18-21) on behalf of Aaron and his sons. Then an offering of consecration is made, during which Moses takes some of the blood and puts it on the tip of the right ear, the thumb of the right hand, and the big toe of the right foot of both Aaron and his sons (Leviticus 8:22-32). Aaron and his sons are then charged to stay at the door of the tabernacle of meeting for seven days to finish their days of consecration (Leviticus 8:33-36).

Following these days, Aaron, the High Priest, is allowed to begin offering sacrifices to the Lord on behalf of the people of Israel. Aaron offers a sin offering, a burnt offering, and peace offerings on behalf of the people (Leviticus 9:1-22). Following this, fire comes out before the Lord and consumes the sacrifice on the altar as the people behold the glory of the Lord (Leviticus 9:23-24).

Coming to God in worship is something which is sacred. As Christians, we serve as priests to God. We do not have to go through a separate priesthood to offer worship to God. Jesus Christ serves as our High Priest (Hebrews 9:11-12). However, these verses from Leviticus remind me that I am to be “consecrated” as a priest to God. In offering worship to God, I need to live a life that is striving to “associate with the sacred” and not entangled in the world and its lusts (cf. Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15-17). I rejoice that God enables me to be a priest. Today, I will strive to live a consecrated life!

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

1/28/24 “Is Ignorance Bliss?” (Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 3-5)

“If a person sins, and commits any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord, though he does not know it, yet he is guilty and shall bear his iniquity. And he shall bring to the priest a ram without blemish from the flock, with your valuation, as a trespass offering. So, the priest shall make atonement for him regarding his ignorance in which he erred and did not know it, and it shall be forgiven him. It is a trespass offering; he has certainly trespassed against the Lord” (Leviticus 5:17-19).

Most have heard the saying, “Ignorance is bliss”. What does this mean? This idiom carries the idea of a “Lack of knowledge results in happiness” or “You are more comfortable if you don't know something”. Is this true regarding God’s commands to us? Is it better for us to be ignorant of them?

In the book of Leviticus, Moses continues to receive from God, as He speaks to him from the tabernacle of meeting, instructions on how Israel was to serve God (cf. Leviticus 1:1). As the opening passage above indicates, Israel’s ignorance of God’s law did excuse them when they were guilty of violating God’s law. They were still GUILTY of trespassing God’s law and must BEAR THEIR INIQUITY. Ignorance was not bliss! Committing a sin in ignorance was still committing sin!

But what is very interesting, is God had made provisions for how an Israelite might be forgiven of different types of sins he or she had committed in ignorance. God had provided a way for them to be forgiven when they had become unclean by touching a carcass (Leviticus 5:2), touching human uncleanness (Leviticus 5:3), speaking thoughtlessly with their lips (Leviticus 5:4), in regard to the holy things of the Lord (Leviticus 5:15), or by doing something against any of the commandments of the Lord (Leviticus 4:27). However, once the person understood they had sinned, they were to confess their sin and bring their offering to the Lord (Leviticus 4:28; 5:4-5). God had even considered a person’s economic condition and what that person could afford to offer as a sacrifice for his sin.

One of the reasons we should study God’s Word diligently is that we might not be ignorant of God’s law and unintentionally sin again Him. David said, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). Peter encourages us to desire God’s Word that we may grow (1 Peter 2:2). Paul encourages Timothy to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). As Christians, we should not desire to remain in ignorance, but understand God’s Will for us!

However, for a new Christian, who is fairly ignorant of all of God’s laws, this can feel overwhelming. In fact, some have discouraged themselves from obeying the gospel of Christ because they feel they do not “know” enough. God does not want this to happen. After we have become Christians, God has provided a way for us to be forgiven of sins we commit in ignorance. The apostle John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). God is FAITHFUL and JUST to forgive us when we have confessed such sins we have committed in ignorance and repented of them.

God’s ability to provide for our spiritual needs is greater than our weaknesses in learning His commandments. God’s grace is greater than our sin! I am thankful that God has given me His Word. I know “ignorance is not bliss”. Today, I will study God Word so that I may understand His Will!

“I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," And You forgave the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).

1/27/24 “The Consequences of My Sin” (Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 40-Leviticus 2)

“If his offering is a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish; he shall offer it of his own free will at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord. Then he shall put his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. He shall kill the bull before the Lord; and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood and sprinkle the blood all around on the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of meeting” (Leviticus 1:3-5).

How do you view the sins you have committed in your life? Do you treat them lightly since everyone else is committing them or do they weigh heavily on your heart because you realize that in committing them you have failed God and that a terrible price had to be paid because of your sin?

After Moses and the Israelites erect the tabernacle (Exodus 40:1-38), God calls Moses and gives instructions regarding the various sacrifices which were to be offered in worship to Him (Leviticus 1:1-7:38). Among these different offerings to be offered in worship to God was the sacrifice of the burnt offering (Leviticus 1:1-17). God gives detailed instructions of how this was to be offered.

Sometimes, we are tempted to read quickly through some of these Old Testament passages which speak about animal sacrifices without thinking too much about them. However, it is important to our spiritual understanding to note what was involved in these sacrifices. If you take careful note of the opening passage above (Leviticus 1:3-5), you will see the individual Israelite who was bringing this burnt offering had to LAY HIS HAND on the bull and kill it himself (Leviticus 1:4). He would feel the animal breathing and looking around before he killed it. Furthermore, after killing the bull, the person had to skin and cut up the animal (Leviticus 1:6). After this, the individual Israelite had to wash the animal’s entrails and legs himself before giving the priest the rest of the animal was offered on the altar (Leviticus 1:8-9). This had to be a gruesome experience for the Israelite worshipping God!

Why would God require a person to do this? I am not sure of all the reasons, but I do know that it certainly would make the person aware of the consequences of their own sin. They would see that their own sin against God caused the death of another. The ghastly experience of offering an animal sacrifice would help the individual Israelite realize the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

However, all of these animal sacrifices we read about in the Old Testament could not take away the sins of man. The Hebrew writer reminds us, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4). These sacrifices were offered in faith looking forward to the time when God would send His own Son, Jesus, to pay the price for the sins of the world (Hebrews 10:1; John 3:16). The apostle Peter writes: “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

How do I view my sin? Do I take it seriously or do I treat it as “no big deal” since everyone else is doing it? May such Old Testament Scriptures as this, cause me to see the serious nature of my own sins. This does not mean that as a Christian I should walk around with a sad face because of my sin. I can rejoice as a Christian because I have been forgiven of our sin through the sacrifice of Christ. Because of GOD’S GREAT LOVE FOR ME he provided Christ as the sacrifice for my sin.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

1/26/24 “Fully Obeying God” (Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 37-39)

“According to all that the Lord had commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did all the work. Then Moses looked over all the work, and indeed they had done it; as the Lord had commanded, just so they had done it. And Moses blessed them” (Exodus 39:42-43).

Is it important that we follow exactly what God tells us to do? Would God be pleased with us if we just did about 90% of what He tells us to do? Would His grace make up the rest?

As the book of Exodus closes, we observe the children of Israel had just finished making all the materials for the erection of the tabernacle. They had gone through some ups and downs in their walk thus far with God. They had walked through the Red Sea by faith as they escaped the Egyptians (Exodus 14:21-27), but then had complained about where they would get their food to eat and water to drink (Exodus 16:2-3; 17:1-3). They had heard the voice of God as He gave the 10 commandments at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17), but then had failed God by worshipping a golden calf when Moses delayed coming down from the mountain (Exodus 32:1-6). After God had forgiven them, they brought forth fruits of repentance by giving such an abundance of items for the construction of the tabernacle that they had to be restrained from giving more (Exodus 36:6).

It is eye-opening to observe that the later chapters of the book of Exodus go into great-detail of how God’s people had carried out the construction of the items of the tabernacle (cf. Exodus 35:4-39:41). They carried out in exact detail the construction of these items as God had earlier instructed Moses (cf. Exodus 25:1-27:21). Along with the opening verses above (Exodus 39:42-43), Moses also records: “Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished. And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses; so, they did” (Exodus 39:32).

A question that begs to be asked as one reads these verses is: “Why does God bother going into such great detail in the Scriptures telling us of Israel’s doing this?” Like all the Old Testament Scriptures, these were written for our learning (Romans 15:4). As Christians, we demonstrate our love for God by obeying His precise commandments (John 14:15). When we obey God in such a manner, we are not trying to earn our salvation, but are showing our love and appreciation for God (John 15:14). In reminding us we have been saved by placing our faith in God’s grace and the gift of His Son for our sins, the apostle Paul also reminds us that we have works of God to do: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Like Israel, neither I nor my brethren in Christ are always perfect in our walk with God. We all struggle with sin. While we seek to honor God by resisting temptation, we also seek to glorify God by carrying out the commands which He has given us (Matthew 5:13-16). I appreciate my brethren who seek to show their love to God by obeying His commands. Today, I will not be satisfied with just following some of God’s commands. I will seek to follow all of them!

“The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:8-11).

1/25/24 “A Stirred Heart and a Willing Spirit” (Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 34-36)

“Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the Lord's offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments.” (Exodus 35:21).

How would you describe your zeal for God and your desire to worship and serve Him? Is it a burning zeal or is your desire growing cold? Why do you believe this is?

Following a very low point in Israel’s service to God where they had engaged in idol worship by worshipping the golden calf which Aaron made (Exodus 32:4-6), Moses had become so discouraged with leading Israel, he asks God to “see His glory” (Exodus 33:18). As the Lord passes by Moses, He covers Moses with His hand, shows Moses His back (Exodus 33:20-23), and proclaims, “The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth…” (Exodus 34:6). Moses falls on his face, worships God, and asks God to forgive His people Israel of their sin, and to continue to go with them (Exodus 34:9). God shows that He is “merciful, gracious, and longsuffering” by forgiving His people (Exodus 34:10).

How does Israel react on this occasion to having been forgiven by God of idol worship? Do they embrace God’s forgiveness? Do they fail to appreciate the grace they have been shown? While Israel does not always act right during these wilderness years, on this occasion they react wonderfully. After Moses returns from having once again to receive additional commandments from the Lord regarding their service to God (Exodus 34:4-29), Moses instructs the children of Israel to bring a freewill offering of different materials for the building of the tabernacle (Exodus 35:4-9).

From a very low point in their relationship with God, when they had failed God by engaging in idol worship, Israel is going to reach a high point in their service to God by giving generously when asked to give materials for the construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 35:20-29). In fact, they give so much, they had to be “restrained from bringing” any more gifts for the construction of the tabernacle of God. (Exodus 36:6). They go from the valley of sin to the mountain top of glory in their service to God.

Why did they give so much? As the opening verses above show, it appears out of great gratitude for having been pardoned of their sin, the people of Israel give generously to the Lord. Their spirits were “stirred” and their hearts were “willing” (Exodus 35:21). Giving from a willing heart was the only requirement God had expected and Israel came through beautifully (Exodus 35:5).

What does God want from me in my worship and service to Him? Does He want me to serve Him because “I have to”? Not only does God want me to worship Him by following the truth, but also by having the right spirit (John 4:24). God does not want me to worship Him out of a spirit of “guilt” because I feel I “have to”. He wants me to serve Him out of a “willing heart” because I am grateful for His pardoning me of my sin through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ. He wants my heart to be stirred up because of the love He has shown to me. He wants me to “want to” worship Him!

Although I also am flawed as I struggle with sin, I will worship and serve the Lord out of a willing heart and a stirred spirit as I focus my mind on praising Him for all He has done for me! I want to live on the mountain top in my service to God celebrating the grace and mercy He has shown to me!

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1-2).

1/24/24 “Show Me Your Glory” (Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 29-33)

“So, the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name’. “And he said, ‘Please, show me Your glory’” (Exodus 33:18).

Have you ever felt so discouraged you wish you could just see God to help bolster your faith? You believed being able to catch a glimpse of God’s glory would encourage you to keep moving onward.

I believe Moses felt this way. Following his receiving additional instructions from God about how to build the Tabernacle and how to ordain the priests in their service to lead Israel in worship (Exodus 25:1-31:18), Moses learns from God that the people of Israel are down at the bottom of the Mount Sinai worshipping a golden calf which they have made (Exodus 32:1-8).

Since the time they had left Egypt, God’s people had struggled to remain faithful to God. This had to be discouraging to Moses as he attempted to lead them. After escaping Egypt, and seeing Pharaoh’s army by the Red Sea, they had complained to Moses that it would have been better for them to have died in Egypt (Exodus 14:11-12). God delivered them by causing them to pass through the Red Sea on dry ground (Exodus 14:13-31). Following this, Israel complained to Moses about having no water to drink (Exodus 15:24) and no food to eat (Exodus 16:2-3). Again, God provided for their needs (Exodus 15:25-27; 16:4-18). Having now left them to receive God’s commands, Moses’ own brother Aaron had fashioned them a golden calf which they were worshipping and saying, “This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt” (Exodus 32:4).

Now, God had given Moses an opportunity to be finally freed of these wayward people: “And the Lord said to Moses, "I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people! Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation’” (Exodus 32:9-10). To his credit as a godly leader, Moses responds in care and compassion seeking to honor God and asking God to turn from his fierce wrath (Exodus 32:11-12).

However, as Moses comes down from Mount Sinai and beholds what Israel had done, in his anger he breaks the tablets of stone which God had given him containing the commandments (Exodus 32:19). He grinds the golden calf into powder and makes the people of Israel drink it (Exodus 32:20). Moses then has the Levites kill those guilty of promoting this great sin of idol worship (Exodus 32:27-28). Afterward, Moses pleads with God to forgive the people of this great sin (Exodus 32:31-32).

To say the least, Moses had a rough day as leader of God’s people. He must have felt at the end of his rope. He asks God to “show me Your glory” (Exodus 33:18). God passes before Moses, covers Moses with His hand, and allows Moses to see His back (Exodus 33:22-23; 34:1-7). God knew Moses needed some encouragement. Seeing God’s glory encouraged Moses to keep leading Israel.

Often, as we serve God, we get discouraged. We often get discouraged by the world around us which often does not care about God. We get discouraged with different trials we face. At times, we even get discouraged by our own brethren in Christ when they act indifferent about serving God. We need to stop and behold the glory of God. God’s glory is seen in His marvelous creation all around us. Today, take time to look up and see the glory of God. Be encouraged and uplifted by Him!

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1-3).