Numbers 8:1-9:23
From the lamps to the Levites, God is involved in all the details.
The law was given in order to cleanse the Levites for the work of the ministry – the grain offering, the sin offering, the wave offering, and the burnt offering.
Numbers 8:14 (NKJV) “Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be Mine.”
A couple of things came to heart on this.
In one sense all Christians are now part of a holy priesthood, but there are some, who have a deeper calling, and in one sense we’re set apart to the work of the ministry (Pastors and Deacons).
As ministers, although we are called and commissioned by grace (1 Corinthians 15:10), we are not to abuse that grace and keep our hearts clean in order to be usable in His hands.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NKJV) “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”
I’ve always loved the way the Levites are listed as a gift to Aaron (Numbers 8:19). Who are you a gift to?
In the second year the people were called to celebrate the Passover, and they did. Whenever new issues or questions would arise, it is commendable the way Moses prayed about such things – taking it to the Lord.
Numbers 9:8 (NKJV) “And Moses said to them, ‘Stand still, that I may hear what the LORD will command concerning you.’”
Once the Tabernacle was completed, God’s presence was manifested in a cloud that came near. The Jews were led intimately and personally by God in the form of that cloud.
Nehemiah 9:12 (NKJV) “Moreover You led them by day with a cloudy pillar, and by night with a pillar of fire, to give them light on the road Which they should travel.”
God is willing to lead us intimately and personally as well…we must simply have that heart to follow Him.
Mark 13:14-37
Verses 14-21 of Mark 13 hone in on the last 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation Period, when the Antichrist will persecute the Jews – many of them will be saved, and then Jesus will come. We read those wonderful words in:
Mark 13:26 (NKJV) “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.”
O Lord, there’s so much heartache, tears, pain – and utter evil, I do pray You’d come Lord Jesus…please come.
I’ve always sided with the interpretation of Pastor Chuck, that the fig tree is representative of Israel, and as they’ve begun to bloom again, miraculously becoming a nation in 1948, it’s almost undoubtedly an indication that the return of Christ is near…even at the door (see James 5:9 & Revelation 3:20).
Jesus emphasizes the fact that His words are true, just in case you wondered.
Mark 13:31 (NKJV) “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”
In light of Jesus’ imminent return, Jesus gives us a vital warning in:
Mark 13:33 (NKJV) “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.”
Jesus tells us again, and again, and again in verses 34, 35, and 37 – “WATCH!”
Wiersbe, “You want to be found faithful when He comes, and He could come today.”
Psalm 50:1-23
Judgment begins in the House of the Lord among His people, so is it of utmost importance that there is no hypocrisy among us, especially us leaders.
God’s not interested in ruts, and religious rituals, in the so-called sacrifices, He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10).
God wants us as His people to live a life of gratitude and obedience (Psalm 50:14).
God wants us to pray in that day of trouble, truly seek Him wholeheartedly.
Psalm 50:15 (NKJV) “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”
The wicked (in this context hypocrites in God’s house) don’t have the right to declare God’s statutes (teach) or even claim to be God’s people (Psalm 50:16). The wicked don’t obey God’s Word, even to the point of hating God’s Word.
Psalm 50:17 (NKJV) “Seeing you hate instruction and cast My words behind you?
A heavy, heavy warning is issued to us the “so-called” saints of God who may be tempted to forget Him (Psalm 50:4) – as well as a promise to bless:
Psalm 50:22–23 (NKJV) “Now consider this, you who forget God, Lest I tear you in pieces, And there be none to deliver: 23 Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.”
Proverbs 10:29-30
Which will I choose my way or God’s way? The choices I make every day determine unction or destruction, and ultimately my eternal location – heaven or hell.
The righteous will have a home in the new heaven and on the new earth – but the wicked will not inhabit the earth.
If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you as we grow forward in 2021.