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Leviticus 15:1-16:24

Most teachers believe that verses 1-15 refer to discharges from infections, or perhaps sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, while the other discharges covered in Leviticus 15 are flows from the natural functions of the body.

No doubt sanitation and personal hygiene were factors for these laws, and a woman on her menstrual cycle was protected and given an aspect of rest during what can be some difficult days. 

All in all, God was setting His people apart with constant reminders of their call to be holy…it would consume their lives. They didn’t have showers or washing machines, and most did not have multiple changes of clothing back then. Imagine the inconvenience of having to wash both body and clothes, and then the requirements of the law in taking your sacrifice to the Tabernacle and having to go through all the meticulous details in order to restore your fellowship with God!

Imagine the heartache of the woman with a flow of blood and therefore unclean for 12 years! No one could touch her or even sit on the same couch as her! With greater appreciation we then read that after all those years, Jesus healed her (Matthew 9:20; Mark 5:25).

O how grateful I am for Jesus who fulfilled the requirements of the Law on our behalf (Matthew 5:17; Colossians 2:14).

Again, we must constantly be reminded in covering these civil laws of Israel, that this type of specific legislation does not apply to us under the New Covenant – but there are principles to glean. How many times have we “touched” or gotten too close to sin? I’m reminded of Paul’s words to the Corinthians:

2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV) “Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.’”

Don’t even touch it!

Leviticus 16 covers Yom Kippur, also know as the Day of Atonement.  Moses reminded Aaron, who was to relay the message to his sons, that entrance into the Most Holy Place was only allowed once a year and that had to be done right, lest they die.

The Most Holy Place was considered the very presence of God (at times the Ark of the Covenant is spoken of as God’s throne). Only the High Priest could enter into the Most Holy place, only on the Day of Atonement (once a year), and only with the right blood applied in the proper way. This would cover the sins of the nation for another year.

The Old Testament High Priests were only shadows of the substance – shedding light on the fact that one day Jesus would go before us as the true and eternal High Priest, with His own blood and make a way for all of us to enter in to the Most Holy Place, by washing away all our sins. We read those words in:

Hebrews 9:11–12 (NKJV) “But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

Jesus’ blood is so strong to forgive, that now you and I who are Christians can actually enter in to the Most Holy Place with boldness! A careful study of the book of Hebrews makes all this completely clear.

Hebrews 4:14–16 (NKJV) “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

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Mark 7:1-23

How easily we can drift into the rules and regulations of men, and make them more authoritative than the Word of God. That’s what happened to the Pharisees who had even developed a certain way of washing hands – something they made mandatory for themselves and others. When they criticized Jesus’ disciples for not washing their hands according to their standards, Jesus used this opportunity to rebuke them for their hypocritical ways. They had developed a law called Corban, teaching that rather than honoring one’s parents, they could take those resources and give them as an offering to the Temple – Jesus summarized it in:

Mark 7:12-13, “then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the Word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

With their lips, they sounded holy, but in their hearts, they were far from God. We all have to take that Spiritual MRI don’t we? We might say the right words the majority of the time, but what’s really going on on the inside? Jesus shared some heavy words in:

Mark 7:6–7 (NKJV) “He answered and said to them, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 7 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’’”

Jesus went on to teach that it’s not what goes into a man that defiles him, it’s what comes out of a man. Once again we’re reminded that the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.

Warren Wiersbe put it this way, “Unless we are very careful, religious rituals can create serious problems. They may be given as much authority as God’s Word (v. 7) and even replace God’s Word (v. 9). They may give a false confidence that what you do on the outside will somehow change the inside. But the heart must be changed, and external rituals cannot do that. The heart can be purified only by faith (Acts 15:9).”

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Psalm 40:11-17

We continue in this Psalm which reveals that David had sinned (Psalm 40:12). The enemy is trying to capitalize on it and take David down; while God is disciplining him, perhaps allowing the opposition.

So David repents and David prays:

Psalm 40:13 (NKJV) “Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me!”

Psalm 40:14 (NKJV) “Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who seek to destroy my life; let them be driven backward and brought to dishonor who wish me evil.”

No matter what, let’s keep seeking the Lord (Psalm 40:16) and loving the Lord (Psalm 40:16) that we might bring Him glory and magnify His name (Psalm 40:16). Let’s make it our goal, our heart – not to sin, but if we have sinned, let’s not give up, let’s get up, look up, and lift up our voice to God…He is merciful and ready to pardon, if we are genuinely repentant.

1 John 2:1 (NKJV) “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

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Proverbs 10:13-14

Proverbs 10:13 (NKJV) “Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.“

Imagine that, you find wisdom on his lips, on her lips; but you look at their lives of others and notice their backs have bruises and scars from the way they’ve suffered so much unnecessary discipline – and you realize the contrast. The wise learn their lessons, but the unwise never learn.

Proverbs 10:14 (NKJV) “Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.”

Wise people have that heart to learn; and know God, and His Word, but the fool is more interested in talking, than learning, and his mouth is his ruin. We read in:

Proverbs 18:7 (NKJV) “A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.”

And we know this to be true, don’t we? Not simply through exposition, but through experience – how even though the tongue is tiny, it’s gotten us into big-time trouble.

If, by the Spirit of God, we don’t tame our tongue, we can lose our job, we can lose our friends, we can even lose our life, we will lose, if we choose loose lips.

Psalms 141:3, “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

May God grant us understanding – to look under the law – not just what to do, but why we do what we do. May God teach us those Biblical principles as well as precepts, to know His will in the variety of situations we find ourselves in (Proverbs 10:13).

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.

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Leviticus 14:1-57

Although there was no cure for leprosy, the law gave the procedures to be followed whenever a leper was cleansed/healed. It would be an extremely laborious process.

It required two living and clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop. Kill one bird in an earthen vessel, rinse in poured out water (or running water). The priest would then take the other items, including the living bird, and dip them in the blood. He was to sprinkle the blood  seven times (the number of completion) on him who was cleansed. The living bird would then be set free. The cleansed man would then wash his clothes, shave off all his hair (including beard and eyebrows), and wash in water. The former leper would then be allowed back into the camp, but not in his tent, quite yet. For after seven days he would do it all again. On the eighth day (number of new beginnings) he would offer a trespass offering, a sin offering, a burnt offering, and a grain offering. The blood of the trespass offering would be used to cleanse the ear, the hand, and the foot of the former leper (cleansing us from those sinful things they’d heard, done, and places they’d gone). After that, each of these areas of life would be anointed with holy oil. 

We all need to be forgiven by God (symbolized by the blood) – and – we al need to be filled with the power of God (symbolized by the oil).

As always, there was consideration and alteration of the laws for the poor (Leviticus 14:21).

For close to 1400 years this portion of the law would never be used. But it wasn’t in vain, for this law was issued with foresight, that one day the Messiah would come and heal the lepers.

After one instance of Jesus healing a leper, we read in His words to them in:

Matthew 8:4 (NKJV) “And Jesus said to him, ‘See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’”

It would be a testimony to them (the priests). How accountable they were! As the priests followed every intricate step of this lengthy process they would/should be in awe, for who can heal the lepers?

Similar responsibilities were given to the priests to detect mold in homes, which can be extremely hazardous. I can’t help but think of the many homes of families today who need the cleansing power of God, lest they also be destroyed. How’s your home today? I hope you know that Jesus can heal our hearts, as well as our homes (our families).

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Mark 6:30-56

Ministry was so busy, that Jesus and His disciples didn’t even have time to eat (imagine that). So He leads His disciples to a deserted place, hoping to get some rest for them, but the people find ’em, and their needs were great. So rather than getting the R & R they hoped for, the Lord tends to them compassionately. We read in:

Mark 6:34, “And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.”

Isn’t it interesting that the first step in tending to the scattered sheep was/is the teaching of the Word? He first met their spiritual need, He then tended to their physical need. May we never underestimate our need for the truth of God’s word, it brings joy to the journey, peace to our path, love and life to our lives, it’s the compass as we travel, the plumb line when we build, the green pastures that sheep most desperately need.

The sun would soon be setting so the disciples suggest to Jesus that He send the people away, that they might go into the nearby towns to buy food. But Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” They didn’t have enough money to buy for everyone one, and definitely didn’t have enough food (they only had 5 loaves and 2 fish) but they gave what they had to Jesus (the key to victory). Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish and ended up feeding 5,000 men, plus women and children (Matthew 14:21) – and there were plenty of leftovers (Mark 6:43). Jesus didn’t do this to dazzle His disciples, He was hoping they would see who He was…but their hearts were hard (Mark 6:52).

The Gospel of John tells us (in John 6:15) that at this time the people wanted to make Jesus King, so He sends everyone away and goes to the mountain to pray. As He prays, He sees the guys straining at rowing, for the wind was against them, so He came to them walking on the sea on the fourth watch of the night (3AM). They were afraid, but Jesus stilled their hearts, as well as the storm, and they all marveled beyond measure.

Do I know – do you know that Jesus sees us straining at rowing, struggling to make progress? We may not like the struggle, it doesn’t feel good (it hurts) and we may not like the timing of when He comes to us (we perceive it to be late), but take heart…He WILL come to us walking all over the opposition (under His feet) and we will make it to the other side.

When they arrived on the other side, the people came to Him, “…and as many as touched Him were made well.” So simple and yet so rare. May we come to Him and stretch out our faith to touch Him.

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Psalm 40:1-10

We seem to find ourselves in this place frequently. You would think after all these years (for some of us) we’d of “arrived” by now. But no, not on this side of time, we will struggle, we will feel as we’re in a pit and will need the Lord to pull us up and out. 

When He does (so frequently) we will have a new song of praise (Psalm 40:3) and we are reminded of his wonderful works/innumerable thoughts towards us (Yes, God always has you on His mind).

Psalm 40:5 (NKJV) “Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.”

Psalm 40:6-8 is a prophecy of Jesus (Hebrews 10:5-9) how in this “scroll of the book, it is written of Him.” It’s all about Jesus (John 5:39). You can open the Bible anywhere and preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. In the Old Testament it’s Jesus predicted. In the Gospels it’s Jesus manifested. In the book of Acts it’s Jesus preached. In the Epistles it’s Jesus explained. And in the book of Revelation it’s Jesus Returned.

Psalm 40:10 is how Jesus has given us the final formal word from His Father (Hebrews 1:1-2). It’s also a good source of inspiration for all those who seek to speak His Word to the people He loves.

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Proverbs 10:11-12

Proverbs 10:11 (NKJV) “The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.”

Words of God’s wisdom bring life and that more abundantly, but words from below – words that are merely human or demonic, stir up violence and can even be verbal abuse. Be careful what you say.

Proverbs 10:12 (NKJV) “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.”

What do we do when we’re wronged? It says a lot about us. If we fight fire with fire and stir it up, we only prove we’re haters. But if we turn the other cheek, and cover all those sins, it shows we’re lovers, it shows we’re saved.

The fruit of the Spirit is…love (Galatians 5:22)

(see also Proverbs 15:18; 17:9)

1 Peter 4:8, “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’”

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.

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Leviticus 13:1-59

Leprosy was a common and extremely feared disease in those days, so God gave Israel the guidelines on how to diagnose leprosy and how to ensure it didn’t spread, through people or objects.

Halley’s Bible Handbook, “These regulations were for the purpose of controlling the spread of infectious skin diseases, of which the most loathsome and dreaded was leprosy. The word translated “leprosy” in the KJV has a range of meanings, including leprosy, skin disease, and even mildew. Primitive as this approach may seem to us, these simple measures undoubtedly saved many lives.”

It’s interesting that the responsibility regarding leprosy was given to the priest, for over time, leprosy became symbolic of sin (see Isaiah 1:4-6). Not that sin caused leprosy, but it has many parallels, especially the fact that leprosy would often begin by dulling the senses. Sin, like leprosy, makes one unclean, sin is deeper than the skin, and sin spreads within our own lives and often into lives of others. Sin also isolates – it breaks our heart to read the command given to the leper:

Leviticus 13:45–46 (NKJV) “Now the leper on whom the sore is, his clothes shall be torn and his head bare; and he shall cover his mustache, and cry, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ 46 He shall be unclean. All the days he has the sore he shall be unclean. He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.”

Imagine the horrible life of isolation, forced into a leper colony, outside the city! The leper’s clothes were required to be torn as identification and a constant expression of grief, and if anyone clean came anywhere near the leper, he was required to cry out “unclean, unclean,” while making sure his germs were not spread to others with his hand cuffed over his mouth.

How beautiful the day must have been, when the Messiah arrived, who not only healed the lepers, but touched them compassionately (Matthew 10:8; Mark 1:40-45). Sin ravages but Jesus is able to heal and cleanse any and all of us from all forms of “leprosy.”

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Mark 6:1-29

Jesus was rejected at His hometown of Nazareth. It wasn’t that they weren’t impressed with His teaching, it’s just that they knew Him too well.

It’s been said that “Familiarity breeds contempt.”

To call Jesus “the Son of Mary,” was a cultural insult; they may have been pointing to what they thought was Jesus’ illegitimate birth – who was His real father? They paid the price for their lack of faith and Jesus could do no mighty works there; not that God Himself is limited, but we sadly and frequently limit Him through our unbelief.

Jesus sends out the twelve, two-by-two, giving them power over unclean spirits, commanding them to take nothing with them, so they’d learn the lesson of God’s protection and provision. They weren’t to be picky in their lodging, just grateful, and to those who rejected the message, they were to shake off the very dust of that city, separating themselves from the judgment to come. We read a synopsis of their mission in: 

Mark 6:12-13, “So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.”

It’s tragic to read of the beheading of John the Baptist, simply because he was bold enough to speak the truth in love.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary provides some of the background, “Mark explained that Herod himself had ordered John to be put in prison. According to Josephus, this prison was at the fortress-palace of Machaerus near the northeastern shore of the Dead Sea (The Antiquities of the Jews 18. 5. 2). Herod did this because of Herodias, an ambitious woman who was his second wife. Herod had first married a daughter of the Arabian king, Aretas IV. Then he became enamored with his half-niece Herodias (daughter of his half-brother, Aristobulus) who was married to Herod’s half-brother Philip (her half-uncle; cf. Josephus The Antiquities of the Jews 18. 5. 1–2). They had a daughter, Salome. Herod divorced his wife in order to marry Herodias who had divorced Philip (not the Philip of Luke 3:1). John had repeatedly denounced this marriage as unlawful (Leviticus 18:16; 20:21).”

Herod had a superstitious respect for John, but Herodias harbored a deep bitterness; she was not satisfied with the imprisonment of John the Baptist, so she seized the moment and had her daughter ask for John’s head on a platter, immediately, “AT ONCE” (Mark 6:25). His rash oath in response to what was no doubt a seductive dance made him officially responsible for the death of the greatest prophet of the Old Testament and forerunner to the Messiah. One day he will give an account.

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Psalm 39:1-13

David was once again in a very life-threatening situation. Was it a result of his sin? We read his prayer in:

Psalm 39:8 (NKJV) “Deliver me from all my transgressions; do not make me the reproach of the foolish.”

David disciplined himself (he actually talked to himself) to be EXTREMELY careful with his ways and words (good advice for all of us):

Psalm 39:1 (NKJV) “I said, ‘I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, while the wicked are before me.”

David was asking God to protect him, to spare his life; he prayed, he wept, he went through a season when it seemed God was silent, even absent…but he never gave up. I have a hunch that part of the reason David was allowed to go through all the valleys he went through, was for us – that we might learn to keep praying, and never lose heart (Luke 18:1). When you’re there, you can offer up this prayer of David and make it your own.

Psalm 39:12–13 (NKJV) “Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; do not be silent at my tears; for I am a stranger with You, a sojourner, as all my fathers were. 13 Remove Your gaze from me, that I may regain strength, before I go away and am no more.”

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Proverbs 10:10

Proverbs 10:10 (NKJV) “He who winks with the eye causes trouble, but a prating fool will fall.”

We usually wink when we’re trying to pull the wool over someone’s eyes – it causes trouble. 

Prating is defined as talking foolishly or tediously; have you ever met someone who’s a good “talker” but that’s it? Someone who’s good at foolish talking will eventually fall.

Let’s not be twinkies (deceptive).

Let’s not be “talkie-talkies,” but let’s resolve to be good, “walkie-talkies.”

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.

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Leviticus 11:1-12:8

There are some who believe that these dietary laws were for the health benefit of the children Israel, and there are even some who still hold to these dietary laws today.  But these dietary laws were temporary (Mark 7:14-23; Acts 10:19-18; 1 Timothy 4:1-5) and the civil laws of Israel were not binding for other nations.

Eating or touching the carcass of a dead or unclean animal may indeed spread germs or worse (especially if an animal died from a disease) so concepts of sanitation and protection are definitely behind these laws of God.

But…there’s no doubt that there was more to it. Israel was to be holy, they were to be different. Could they surrender every area of their lives to God, even the very food they consumed? Would they be willing to learn God’s Word and distinguish the difference between what is clean and unclean?

Warren Wiersbe said this about this section of Leviticus, “Chapters 11–15 focus on the concept of “clean” and “unclean” in the areas of food (11), birth (12), disease (13–14), and normal bodily functions (15). Although the laws certainly served a practical hygienic purpose, there was also a spiritual principle involved. As God’s people, Israel had to be separated from everything that God called unclean. Other nations might be able to do those things, but the Jews could not (vv. 44–45). Defilement spreads, and one person’s carelessness could affect many people.”

In chapter 12 of Leviticus we have the laws of childbirth – just as the customary flow of blood would make a woman unclean, the blood of childbirth would as well.

I don’t think I can word it any better than Warren Wiersbe as to why there was a 66 day purification period, and 14 days of uncleanness after a daughter was born, as opposed to the 33 and 7 days after a son was born, “Is a female child twice as unclean as a male child? Of course not, for there were no degrees of uncleanness. God was giving the mother extra time to care for a daughter in a masculine society that preferred sons. He was also giving her time to recuperate before the next pregnancy. A husband to whom she bore a daughter might be anxious to try again for son.”

When Jesus was born, Joseph and Mary brought two turtledoves, revealing their poverty in the fact that they were not able to bring a more expensive offering (Luke 2:22-24). Yes, Jesus was humble, simple, and poor financially (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Today we are no longer under the Old Covenant, but the call to holiness remains. May we study God’s Word as revealed through His Apostles and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit who gives us all our personal convictions. The call to holiness will never change.

Leviticus 11:44a (NKJV) “For I am the LORD your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy.”

Leviticus 11:45 (NKJV) “For I am the LORD who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.”

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Mark 5:21-43

A 12-year old girl was about to die. A woman who had a flow of blood had been “dying” for 12 years.

Dad was desperate, at wits end. As a ruler of the Synagogue, he was risking everything by beseeching the help of the wandering Rabbi – Jesus. But God was moving him, and he was moveable…so He went to Jesus and asked for His help, his little girl was dying.

As they’re on the move, the people are thronging Jesus; He stops in His tracks and asks, “Who touched me?” (for He felt power flow out of Him). The Apostles thought it was a ridiculous question, for Jesus was being touched by many, but this touch was different, this touch was desperate, this touch was one of a firm and fiery faith. Come to discover that after years of being ostracized due to her uncleanness, after having spent all her livelihood on physicians to no avail, with the simple touch of the hem of His garment (a symbol of His glory) she was made well. This story has always inspired me to make my way through the crowd, to be different than the casual Christian and to reach out in faith, in prayer, to access the beautiful, wonderful, powerful help, healing, and intervention of Almighty God.

The little girl died in this pause of Christ, and everyone thought it was too late – they didn’t know they were in the presence of the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead, all in simple stride. Just imagine the joy of their daughter being made whole – something you can’t find in the empty religion of the old wineskins of the Synagogues of those days. Jairus was willing to be made new and God blessed Him and his family.

Friend, whatever you’re facing, please be encouraged with Jesus’ words:

Mark 5:36b (NKJV) “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

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Psalm 38:1-22

We don’t know the precise circumstances of David’s life at this point, but it appears that he’s experiencing God’s discipline for his sin, and then his enemies rush in to try and capitalize on it, to seize the moment.

But David prays, he even sings (that’s what the Psalms are – Israel’s hymnal).

David also comes clean, he confesses his sin in anguish:

Psalm 38:18 (NKJV) “For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin.”

That’s all God wants. For me to come clean, confess and forsake the sins that separate me from Him and are trying to ruin my life. Later we’ll read in:

Psalms 86:5 (NKJV) “For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.”

I couldn’t help but think of the Covid pandemic when reading David’s words in:

Psalm 38:11 (NLT) “My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease. Even my own family stands at a distance.”

I can’t even begin to imagine the loneliness of such a place, and the spiritual warfare David was entrenched in, our hearts go out to those who’ve been there, who are there now. But David shows us what to do if we’re ever anywhere near this place — — pray.

Psalm 38:21–22 (NKJV) “Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, be not far from me! 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!”

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Proverbs 10:8-9

Proverbs 10:8–9 (NKJV) The wise in heart will receive commands, but a prating fool will fall. ⁹ He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known.

The wise in heart are receptive, willing to be corrected or commanded, but the prating fool just talks foolishness, talking when he ought to be listening.

In v. 9 we have two types of people, clearly contrasted – the wicked pervert and the one who walks with integrity. One walks securely, while the other will be exposed; one will stand, while the other eventually and inevitably falls.

Which will I be? O Lord, grant me grace to be receptive, to be wise and to walk in integrity.

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.

Leviticus 9:7-10:20

It’s now time for Aaron the appointed High Priest to offer sacrifices, both for himself and on behalf of the nation of Israel. The sin offering, the burnt offering, the grain offering, and the peace offering, were lifted up (as heave offerings) and waved before the LORD (as wave offerings). With the exception of the grain offering, they all included blood.

I’m reminded of the words of writer of Hebrews:

Hebrews 9:22 (NKJV) “And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.”

After that, the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people…what an awesome sight it must have been!

Leviticus 9:24 (NKJV) “…and fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.”

God was pleased – and the people witnessed His wonder.

Moses and Aaron did well in the initial stages of Tabernacle ministry, but it didn’t take long for carelessness to creep in, and God was forced to make an example of Nadab and Abihu. If you put it all together I believe it’s safe to say that Nadab and Abihu had been drinking – this dulled their senses and they were not able to distinguish between what was holy and what was unclean; they therefore offered profane fire before the LORD (Leviticus 10:1, 8-10). I thought it was interesting that the LORD spoke directly to Aaron on this one (Leviticus 10:8). We read the result of Nadab and Abihu’s carelessness:

Leviticus 10:2 (NKJV) “So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.”

Some would liken this to the death of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 and say that at the onset of these Covenants (Old and New) God had to establish His holiness. God doesn’t usually strike people dead when they sin in such ways, but He does at times, and we need to know how He sees any form of disobedience (which is die-cast rebellion). A few things to consider: the theme of Leviticus is holiness – – that what we’re studying is the Holy Bible – – and God’s overriding attribute is holiness (Isaiah 6:3).

May I never forget.

Leviticus 10:3 (NKJV) “And Moses said to 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.’’ So Aaron held his peace.”

I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult it must have been for Aaron, but he was not allowed to outwardly grieve for the death of his sons, he was forced to see and agree with the severity of the sentence. It didn’t mean he did everything with perfection. Apparently he and his other sons didn’t have an appetite that day, and they burnt the offering rather than eat the offering (Leviticus 10:16-20) but God understood.

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Mark 4:26-5:20

I’ve always related to this next parable personally. I feel as if I’ve experienced this truth first-hand as a pastor. Since day one, all we’ve done is teach the Word by faith (we’ve scattered the seed). Then, just as we read in the parable, we’ve slept by night (we’ve rested, trusted).

I look back to the first Bible Study where just a few people gathered in 2002, and I see how God has built His church – He’s reaped a bountiful harvest. I relate to the man in the parable so much when we read those words, “…he himself does not know how.” I wonder sometimes, how did this happen? It’s all God, His grace, His Word, His sovereignty – we simply speak and then sleep.

Jesus goes on to tell a parable about the amazing growth of the Kingdom of God, and how even the small mustard seed grows large, as an herb tree – to the point that the birds of the air rest in its branches, which is interesting, because earlier the birds were bad (Mark 3:4). It’s sad to see, but it’s true, there are tares with the wheat, there are wolves in sheep’s clothing, and there are birds in the branches. We need to be aware of this.

How awesome it must have been to have Jesus explain everything to the Apostles:

Mark 4:34b (NKJV) “…and when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.”

I believe the Lord still does this…He explains things to us, when we give Him time to speak to our hearts as we read His Word.

They should have believed Him when He told them they were going to the other side (Mark 3:35) so that when the sea started acting up, they could have calmly waked Him up, and said, “Lord, can You take care of this for us?” Instead they freaked out, without any faith, afraid they were going down. They had forgotten, or maybe never really realized who was with them, the One who is able to still any storm, able to defeat every enemy, the One who can always be trusted.

After the display of such power their fear morphed a bit:

Mark 4:41 (NKJV) “And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!’”

Answer – God!

Mark highlights one of two men who lives in a cemetery (imagine that), he could not be tamed by anyone, he would only cry out night and day as he cut himself with stones. If we put two and two together, it’s obvious to see that the enemy was trying to kill this man, and the only way he could speed up the process is if the man committed suicide – which explains his self-destructive behavior. It breaks our hearts to see so many today in the same place.

But Jesus crosses the sea to save him, He casts out the legion of demons who beg to enter the pigs – permission is granted, the pigs die, and the people of the city are completely blind to what just took place. God showed up to demonstrate His own love and power…but they just beg Him to leave. Sounds like a pretty good summary of societies’ indifference towards Jesus today, after all He’s done. The Lord honors their decision.

The man who’s been healed wants to stay with Jesus, but Christ commands him to do something different:

Mark 5:19–20 (NKJV) “However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, ‘Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.’ 20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.”

The power of our testimony! Your friends and family really do need to hear what God has done for you! And not only that, Jesus would eventually go to those cities in the Decapolis, the man had gone as a forerunner before Him.

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Psalm 37:30-40

David continues to teach us that although the wicked (our enemies) seek to stop us and even slay us (Psalm 37:32) they themselves will be cut off.  On the contrary, the LORD will save us, strengthen us, help us, and deliver us, as we simply trust in Him (Psalm 37:40).

We are to wait on the LORD and to keep His way (Psalm 37:34) to keep His Word; as a matter of fact, because God’s Word is in our hearts (Psalm 37:31) out of the mouth of the righteous will flow words of wisdom and justice (Psalm 37:30; Luke 6:45). It’s interesting to me that throughout the entire ordeal in which David struggled with King Saul, David never spoke an ill word about the king.

Not that we have a vendetta, but God promises through David that the righteous will see it when the wicked are cut off (Psalm 37:34). David himself had seen it with his own eyes (Psalm 37:35-36).

Perhaps the Psalm can be summarized in:

Psalm 37:37–38 (NKJV) “Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace. 38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.”

O Lord, please help me to be blameless, and to trust You to deliver me from my enemies.

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Proverbs 10:6-7

More contrasts between the righteous and wicked. 

The righteous are blessed with crowns on their head, while the words of the wicked stir up violence for themselves or others with their mouths.

Most people do not name their children Judas, or Benedict, they choose names like John, or Peter, for certain memories are rotten and good legacies last.

O Lord, please help us to be wise, and strive to always be in right relationship with You!

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.

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Leviticus 7:28-9:6

Aaron was to be the first High Priest of Israel, an office that would remain in his lineage (the High Priests would be appointed from the sons of Aaron). Leviticus 7:28-38 speaks of the portion of the sacrifice given to Aaron and his sons; here it mentions the breast and the right thigh.

In Leviticus 8 we read of Aaron and his sons set apart for the priesthood. Moses called Aaron and his sons, as well as the entire congregation to meet at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. Moses began by washing them with water (Leviticus 8:6; Ephesians 5:26). He then clothed Aaron with holy garments and gave him the Urim and the Thummim (literally “lights and perfections”). We’re not certain as to the details on the Urim and the Thummim, but all we know for certain is that they were used to determine the will of the Lord (see also Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 28:6; Ezra 2:3). (Got Questions Article)

Moses then anointed Aaron and his sons with the anointing oil; we read in:

Leviticus 8:12 (NKJV) “And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him, to consecrate him.”

Pastor Chuck Smith said, “To consecrate something was to set it apart for God’s exclusive use. As priests of God, we too should be consecrated to Him (1 Peter 2:9).”

Warren Wiersbe said, “In the Old Testament, God’s people had a priesthood, but in the New Testament, God’s people are a priesthood (1 Peter 2:5, 9). What made the priests acceptable to God? Water (Leviticus 8:6), oil (Leviticus 8:10–12), blood (Leviticus 8:14–29), and garments (Leviticus 8:7–9). We have been washed (Leviticus 1 Corinthians 6:11), anointed by the Spirit (Leviticus 1 John 2:20, 27), redeemed by Christ’s blood (1 Peter 1:18 ff.), and dressed in His righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).”

As Aaron was anointed I’m reminded of the visual description in Psalm 133 that presents Aaron as drenched – or at least dripping with oil:

Psalm 133:2 (NKJV) “It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments.”

Moses next brought the sons of Aaron and clothed them in holy garments. He brought the bull, they all laid their hands on it (transferring sin) and it was killed as a sin offering on their behalf; after that there was the burnt offering, followed with the ram of consecration…we read in:

Leviticus 8:23–24 (NKJV) “…and Moses killed it. Also he took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. 24 Then he brought Aaron’s sons. And Moses put some of the blood on the tips of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. And Moses sprinkled the blood all around on the altar.”

Another visual of how our we need to cleanse and consecrate ourselves in all areas of life, in all that we hear, all that we do, and everywhere we go (our ears, our hands, our feet) (Romans 12:1).

We get a glimpse of the great grace we need to serve the Lord, especially as His representatives; a high and holy calling. If Aaron and/or his sons took this lightly, they would be gambling with their lives (Leviticus 8:35). This was a special day in the nation, and God in His grace was about to “appear” to them, He had made a way to be near them.

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Mark 3:31-4:25

As Jesus is busy about His Father’s business, His mother and brothers were looking for Him, calling for Him. There’s no doubt that Jesus was a perfect Son to His mom, and an amazing brother to His siblings, but it appears that His family (at that point) did not understand the nature of His ministry, and they were calling Him away from His Father’s calling. Jesus teaches us about priorities and the true family of God:

Mark 3:33–35 (NKJV) “But He answered them, saying, ‘Who is My mother, or My brothers?’ 34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.’”

It’s not that Jesus was disowning His biological family, He loved them, would reach out to them, and some of them would eventually come around, but this simply reveals to us “the way it is” in the Kingdom and Family of God. Jesus would later say in:

Matthew 10:37–39 (NKJV) “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”

Jesus eventually reached a point in His ministry when He began to teach in parables. Matthew’s version provides the full quote and explanation from Isaiah 6:9-10. The parables were earthly stories with heavenly meanings, they were intended to make the spiritual truths easier to comprehend. Jesus desperately wanted to reach them, but spiritual truths require spiritual perception.

The Parable of the Sower, the Seed, and the Soils reveals the fact that the condition of the heart is our most important part. Jesus (the Sower) teaches us His Word (scatters the Seed). The question is, what’s the condition of my heart (my Soil)? Is it hard? Is it shallow? Is it crowded? Or is it soft-soil, good-ground, open and receptive – even hungry for the Word of God?

O Lord, help me…let my heart be right in Your sight.

We are to take heed not only HOW we hear (Luke 8:18), but WHAT we hear (Mark 3:24). The teachers, podcasts, books, TV shows, and videos, we take in will determine the way we see the world and make our judgments. You are what you eat. Jesus wants it to be healthy and Biblical, spot-on accurate, for the same measurement we use will be measured back to us (Matthew 7:2).

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Psalm 37:12-29

The wicked plot their plans and swing their swords; they’re sometimes rich by “borrowing and not repaying,” and they attack us in many ways. But, we read here in Psalm 37:13 that his day is coming. Their sword will enter their own heart, their bows shall be broken (Psalm 37:15). We don’t say it arrogantly, but we can say it accurately, one day the wicked will perish:

Psalm 37:20 (NKJV) “But the wicked shall perish; and the enemies of the LORD, like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away.”

The saved, on the other hand, are blessed. God will protect us; God knows us personally and has an inheritance for us – eternally (Psalm 37:18). God gives us His goodness and is willing to guide us step-by-step, and lift us up when we fall.

Psalm 37:23–24 (NKJV) “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand.”

As I get older Psalm 37:25 resonates deeply:

Psalm 37:25 (NKJV) “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.”

Indeed God is faithful, He has never, ever forsaken me, or my family. He never will (Hebrews 13:5).

God is good, He will protect, direct, and perfect. May we abide in Him, depart from evil, and have that heart to do good (Psalm 37:27)

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Proverbs 10:5

Proverbs 10:5 (NKJV) “He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.”

May God give us grace to work hard and (if possible) save for a rainy day, after all, there’s a time to work and a time to play. If we “sleep” during the harvest, we’ll eventually suffer shame.

We can easily couple verses 4 and 5 together – the consequences of laziness and the benefits of diligence, and hard work.

We also read this principle back in Proverbs 6:11 – the contrast between working hard, or hardly working. The slack son will experience poverty and shame, while the diligent one experiences riches and reaps in a harvest.

You might even want to take this passage and apply it to the Spiritual harvest. Am I doing my part?

John 4:34–35 (NKJV) “Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!’’”

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.

Leviticus 6:1-7:27

Moses begins this chapter with the specifics of the trespass offering; what to do in order to make things with right with God if one was guilty of theft or extortion. The difference between the trespass offering and the sin offering primarily consisted in the fact that the day the person brought the offering, they were also to give restitution to the one stolen from, which would be the full value and an additional 20% (Leviticus 6:4-5).

The various offerings were covered previously, in chapters 2 and 3 of Leviticus, but we have more details in this section. You’ll find that in order to get the entire scope of any of the offerings you’ll have to harmonize many passages of Scripture, typically found in the Pentateuch.

Just as the fires never went out in the Tabernacle, may the fires never fade, or go out in our own personal lives.

Leviticus 6:13 (NKJV) “A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out.”

2 Timothy 1:6 (AMP) “That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination].”

Am I “on fire” for God?

It’s hard to imagine living life under the Old Covenant but I must admit, the call to, and command for holiness seen in the letter of the law and the practice of the sacrificial system is overwhelming. Imagine going to church service, volunteering as a minister, or even enjoying a meal in that setting, with the realization that if I was “unclean” – and so much as touched the wrong thing – the law legislated for me to be put to death! I would definitely walk, work, teach, and touch much more carefully.

Leviticus 6:18 (NKJV) “All the males among the children of Aaron may eat it. It shall be a statute forever in your generations concerning the offerings made by fire to the LORD. Everyone who touches them must be holy.’”

Leviticus 7:20 (NKJV) “But the person who eats the flesh of the sacrifice of the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, while he is unclean, that person shall be cut off from his people.”

(See also Leviticus 7:21, 25, 27 – there were many capital offenses)

And yet, even under the New Covenant, the call to holiness should be even stronger – with more clarity about the cross of God’s Son, and hearts filled with both fear and love.

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Mark 3:7-30

I’m always struck by what we read in:

Mark 3:8b (NKJV) “…a great multitude, when they heard how many things He was doing, came to Him.”

I believe that if we get the word out, if we tell our story of what Jesus is doing in our lives, even our personal testimony of how we were saved or healed – others will come to Him. Have you ever shared your miraculous story of salvation?

The crowds were growing, the demons were bowing, the war was intensifying, it was now time for Jesus to train up the Twelve He would  choose to use and  pour “through.” Luke 6:12-13 informs us that Jesus spent all night in prayer before naming the Twelve. I wonder if He was praying about who to choose? Or perhaps He was praying for them? Twelve is the number of Government in the Bible, the Old Testament has the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

Order of names is usually significant in the Bible; Peter is named first, followed by James and John…Judas Iscariot is always named last, “…who also betrayed Him.”

They were so busy in ministry they didn’t have time to eat, Jesus’ family thought He was crazy, the religious leaders accused Jesus of being led by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons, at which point Jesus teaches some important lessons.

First of all, it makes no sense for Jesus to be casting out demons by the ruler of the demons, for a house divided against itself will fall (that goes for families and ministries too).

Secondly, Jesus was binding the enemy and rescuing the people Satan held captive, because Jesus was/is infinitely stronger than the enemy.

Third, these religious leaders were on the verge of committing the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (the unpardonable sin). This is the only sin that is unforgivable, when someone resists the witness of the Holy Spirit who points people to Jesus. Remember, it’s not necessarily a sin issue, it’s a Son issue – what will you do with Jesus? Will we listen to the Holy Spirit and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ? When we believe in and receive God’s Son, He forgives our sin.

Just in case you’re out there and you’re worried that maybe you’ve committed the unpardonable sin, please don’t worry any longer; just the fact that you’re concerned about it shows you haven’t committed it. Those who commit that sin, who cross that line, who resist the Holy Spirit to such an extent, will no longer feel a sliver of conviction, their hearts will become like stone.

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Psalm 37:1-11

It makes no sense to envy the wicked, even if it looks as if they’re doing well, wealthy, healthy, pretty, handsome, strong, famous and successful; doesn’t matter. Because they’ve defied God, soon they will be cut down and wither away (Psalm 37:1-2) evildoers will be cut off (Psalm 37:9).

If God’s people wait on the Lord, trust Him, commit our way to Him, our lives to Him, if we rest in Him and His ways, then in His timing, we will receive the desires of our hearts (desires that He places within us).

Psalm 37:3 (NKJV) “Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.”

Trust Him in your heart. Keep doing good with those “hands.” Don’t go to other “lands” where you don’t belong. Feed on His faithfulness (the Bible and His many blessings in your life).

Psalm 37:4 (NKJV) “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

What’s the deepest desire of your heart? It’s Him, the LORD! He promises to give you Himself and all the blessings that come with Christ. Please don’t wander, wait for that day.

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Proverbs 10:3-4

Proverbs 10:3 seems to go hand in hand with what we just read in Psalms 37:3-4!

Proverbs 10:3 (NKJV) “The LORD will not allow the righteous soul to famish, but He casts away the desire of the wicked.”

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.

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Leviticus 4:1-5:19

In this section of Leviticus we have the specific sacrifices required under different circumstances for unintentional sin.

Sad to say, but today, most people make light of sin. As we read through the Old Testament Law we see the cost involved for our sin to be forgiven, the price to be paid by the innocent, the constant blood that was shed to the point of death – ultimately symbolizing the eternal blood of Jesus Christ.

You may have noticed for the first time in the Bible the word “unintentionally” – found 5 times in this section. Warren Wiersbe points out an important principle on this, “The sin offering was for unintentional sins of ignorance and not for deliberate sins of disobedience. For deliberate sins, God made no provision for a sacrifice (Numbers 15:30–31). All the offender could do was plead the mercy of God (Psalm 51:16–17).” In other words there was no promised provision for sins committed volitionally, there was only a guarantee of grace for sins committed accidentally. It’s one thing to stumble in thought, word, or deed, it’s quite another thing to go in with eyes wide open. Although we know, Jesus has made a way to wash away all our sins, may that grace not be abused, but rather used to keep us from presumptuous sins (Psalm 19:13).

If the anointed priest sinned, his offering was equivalent to the offering required for the whole congregation – both called for a young bull to be killed. To whom much is given, much more is required (Luke 12:48).

If a ruler sinned it was different than if a common person sinned, for leaders are to be examples, called to be blameless (1 Timothy 3:1-13).

God is a holy God whose commandments are intended to protect His people from harmful behavior, so He lays down the Law. There were sins of silence (Leviticus 5:1). Even the mere touch of something unclean was forbidden (Leviticus 5:2-3). Every thought and every idle word was to be holy (Leviticus 5:4).

Warren Wiersbe said, “Sometimes we commit sin by keeping quiet (v. 1), or we may cover up (vv. 2–3) or speak out (v. 4). Our sins may be unintentional, and we may be ignorant of them; but once we know about them, we must come to God for cleansing. Sin is not “deliberate disobedience to a known law.” If we disobey God, we are guilty whether we realize it or not.”

God writes to us that we may not sin, but if we do, He provides a way to be forgiven (see 1 John 2:1). If a person was poor and couldn’t sacrifice a lamb or a kid of the goat, they could bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and if a person couldn’t afford that, God allowed them to bring two quarts of flour – that no one (rich or poor) would be excluded from fellowship with Him.

Leviticus 5:15 speaks to those who sin in ministry, “in regard to the holy things of the Lord.” This is sin under special circumstances – as we’ve seen, God holds such people to higher standards, especially in the practice of the “priesthood.” It’s heartbreaking and harmful when ministers fall – as we read in:

Leviticus 5:16a (NKJV) “And he shall make restitution for the harm that he has done in regard to the holy thing…”

We will later read in:

Leviticus 10:3a (NKJV) “And Moses said to 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.’’” 

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Mark 2:13-3:6

The Jews considered men like Levi (a.k.a. Matthew) as the worst of the worst. They were Jews who had sold out to the Roman Government and who gouged their fellow countrymen with exorbitant taxes. The religious leaders of the day would NEVER have included tax-collectors to be a part of their company, but Jesus shows us the heart of God. Jesus not only befriends Matthew, He calls him to follow Him, and eventually serve in the ministry. Matthew wisely chose to follow Christ and one day he would be the writer of the first book chronicled in the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew.

We must guard our hearts as Christians from losing a burden for the lost. The religious leaders criticized Jesus sharply for eating with such sinners, but Jesus reminded them, and us, that these are the very people we’re called to help. May God give us wisdom in reaching out as He did.

The Pharisees were very critical of Christ – they were offended at His choice of company, how His disciples didn’t fast, and His neglect of the Sabbath (according to their standards).

I sigh as I try so hard not to be like them, legalistic Pharisees, old, unusable wineskins, dividing men and defying God in their petty unbiblical man-made rules and regulations. Are we sure and certain that all our rules are right and standards are Scriptural?

Fasting is a very personal thing; we must fast as God leads us.

In their attempt to keep the Sabbath (1 commandment) they had created “100 more” commandments. Imagine reaching a point in refusing to feed the hungry a little bit of grain, or refusing to heal the broken on a certain day – my how far originally well-intended people can drift!

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Psalm 36:1-12

There is no awe or fear of God in the eyes of the wicked (Psalm 36:1).

And yet, God is so good! His mercy, His faithfulness, His righteousness, His judgments, and His lovingkindness are mentioned.

Psalm 36:7–8 (NKJV) “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. 8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.”

Imagine that…drinking from the rivers of God’s pleasures! May we never forget – no, not for a day, we were created to exalt God and enjoy Him forever – my pleasures should be found in Him!.

Am I doing that?

May we take in His bountiful blessings, and trust Him to deal with those who come against us.

David prays:

Psalm 36:10–11 (NKJV) “Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart. 11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.”

Let’s let God deal with our enemies and let’s stay upright in heart and enjoy God’s lovingkindness on our behalf.

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Proverbs 10:1-2

Proverbs 10:1 (NKJV) “The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.”

In Hebrew poetry this is referred to as Antithetical Parallelism – where a contrast is expressed. Here the contrast is between a wise son and a foolish son.

We haven’t seen his name since chapter 1 verse 1, but here we see Solomon once again identified as the author of the Proverbs. A man who at one time was endowed with wisdom from above.

We read first of all, about children and parents, of course, moms are (generally-speaking), more sensitive, but I think what’s stated here can be the case for either parent, and it’s applicable to both daughters and sons, that a wise child, makes his or her parents glad, but a foolish child brings great grief.

I can’t help but think of a couple of applicable passages:

3 John 1:4 (NKJV) “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Genesis 26:34-35 (NKJV) “When Esau was forty years old, he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite. And they were a grief of mind to Isaac and Rebekah.”

I don’t believe this is merely a statement of fact. It’s a word to children to be wise…and bless their parents. It’s also a word to parents, let’s do our best to raise our children in the ways of the Lord

Proverbs 10:2 (NKJV) “Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.“

In the Proverbs we will see repeatedly, the contrast between the wicked and the righteous.

We’ll also see how worldly treasures are only temporary at best, and not very valuable, but spiritual treasures, righteousness, is to be our sole desire! (imputed and imparted)

On Proverbs 10:2 David Guzik said, “Being right with God brings a benefit that money can’t buy.”

May we focus first on God, not gold; our walks with Him and not wealth.

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.

Leviticus 1:1-3:17

The book of Leviticus was given to Moses at Mt. Sinai in the one month between Exodus and Numbers (Exodus 40:17; Numbers 1:1). You may have noticed the resemblance to the word Levites (the priest who assisted the sons of Aaron) for it was written primarily for them to practice and preach to the people. The book of Leviticus is rich with imagery of Christ and of the Christian life, especially in our call to holiness (a word found 100 times in this book) (Leviticus 20:7).

In these first three chapters we have the Burnt Offering, the Grain Offering, and the Peace Offering. We have details given here on each of these offerings, and we will be provided with further details in Leviticus chapters 6 and 7.

All the offerings speak of what Jesus has done for us, but in some of them we also have aspects of how we can offer sacrifices to the LORD and even be living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1).

The Burnt Offering is symbolic of absolute surrender on our part – giving it ALL to God (they burnt everything but the skin). This sacrifice must be pure and of our own free will (Leviticus 1:3). It matters not the “amount” we give (cattle, sheep, goats, or birds), what matters most is that we give our ALL to God.

The Grain Offering is symbolic of service. Consider the grain that needed to be grown (work on our parts) and then given to the priests. You could offer the Grain offering raw or baked in various ways (it would be like pancakes). The priest would burn a pinch on the altar and was allowed to have the rest for himself and his sons to consume (Leviticus 1:2-3).

There was to be no leaven, or honey, with the offerings but there was to be salt and frankincense (Leviticus 2:11, 13, 16).

Warren Weirsbe, “Note that God never wants leaven (a picture of sin [1 Corinthians 5:6–8]) or honey (man’s glory and not God’s [Proverbs 25:27]). But He does want salt, which speaks of purity (Colossians 4:6), and frankincense, which is praise to God. What a privilege it is to build a Christian life that brings glory to God!”

The Peace Offerings is also known as the Fellowship Offering. A portion was to be burnt, a portion would be for the priests, and a portion could be eaten by the one who offered the sacrifice (as long as they were clean). It would be as if you were having a meal with the LORD, fellowship together after having made peace…with Him (Leviticus 7:11-21; Deuteronomy 12:5-12).

For a broad overview of the book of Leviticus, here are a couple of helpful resources.

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Mark 1:29-2:12

What a day this was in the life of Christ, ministering all day long, coming home to rest at Peter’s house and yet the labor of love continues. Nothing is too small, Peter’s mother in law is healed of her fever, and nothing is too big, the whole city gathered at the door and Jesus delivered them from everything, even demons.

I believe the key to Christ’s power was His prayer life.

Mark 1:35 (NKJV) “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

Jesus loved to pray and spend time with His Father (just them, away from the crowd) the fellowship must have been sweet – therein the Father directed Him, and the Spirit empowered Him.

Peter wanted to be Jesus’ manager and start a church in Capernaum, but Jesus had already checked in with His Father, who commanded Him to be a traveling missionary and share the message from town to town.

The leper broke the law of the land in simply speaking to and approaching Jesus in such a way, but the leper had faith, knowing that if Jesus was willing, He could heal him (is this not to be our approach?). Jesus was willing (He healed him) and Jesus was loving (He touched him). Jesus warned him not to tell others for that would hinder His ministry by opening the floodgates to those who were not only ill, but who would come only to be spectators, wanting to see the “show.” I was thinking how different we are from Jesus. If I was used by God to heal someone from an incurable disease I would probably want it chronicled on television, on 20/20, but that’s not Christ’s heart. The Kingdom of God dose not need that kind of advertising in order to accomplish God’s purposes. It’s usually not best to “explode” overnight due to some miracle, it’s probably best to grow gradually, faithfully, and obediently.

I’ve always loved the way these four men brought their friend to Jesus (that’s what friends do – even if they have to make a hole in the roof). Jesus saw THEIR faith and therefore healed the man physically and spiritually (Mark 2:5, 12) (yes, prayer and intercession do make a difference).

Jesus proved to the doubters (He saw their hearts) and the disciples, He is able to forgive sins here on earth – here and now – and then, of course, on and on, and forever and ever.

Are you a believer in Christ? If so, you are forgiven, even here on earth. Wow even now!

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Psalm 35:17-28

People can do tons of damage with their tongues. Saul started it all, and it spread like wildfire, they spoke against David – they did not speak peace, the opened their mouths wide against him (some people have big mouths) (Psalm 35:20-21). 

David spoke to God about it; he prayed the LORD would vindicate him and defeat his enemies. And God did. David knew God would fight for him and promised to praise Him in the great assembly, publicly he would give God all the glory…all day long (Psalm 35:18, 28)

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Proverbs 9:13-18

Another warning against sexual sin. Repeated so we won’t be defeated! May you and I never fall – after all – we can never say we were never warned.

The simple one who’s so open-minded that his brain falls out – falls into sexual sin with the wicked woman who woos him. (Proverbs 9:16)

Sin is sweet for a moment, it’s pleasant even for a season (Proverbs 9:17), but the consequences can be deadly in so many ways – verse 18 tells us that fornicators and adulterers die, sometimes physically and (if that’s your title) always spiritually.

Proverbs 9:18 (NKJV) “But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell.”

1 Corinthians 6:9 (NKJV) “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites.”

Revelation 21:8 (NKJV) “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

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.

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Exodus 39:1-40:38

Bezalel and Aholiab now make the garments for the priests who would be ministering in the Holy Place as commanded by the LORD to Moses back in:

Exodus 28:2 (NKJV) “And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.”

Imagine having gold in your clothing – talk about “threads” (Exodus 39:3).

14 times in chapters 39-40 we read those words, “…as the LORD had commanded Moses.” Moses had received the instructions on the mountain from the LORD, and then he relayed those instructions to the others. They paid careful attention to all the details and did everything according to God’s Word – no cutting corners, no sloppy agape.

It’s all significantly special, but I especially appreciate the Ephod and the Breastplate with the names of the children of Israel over the shoulders and heart of the High Priest (Exodus 39:7, 14).

Jesus carries us on His shoulders and has us on His heart.

For those of you/us who have problems finishing things we start, it is inspiring to read that they finished all the work of the Tabernacle of the tent of meeting (Exodus 39:32). 

After they finished, Moses inspected and looked over all the work to make sure they did it all according to God’s design (Exodus 39:43). Leaders are ultimately responsible for all that goes on, even if they delegate responsibilities to others.

The time had come for Moses to set everything up, to put it all together, to place it all in order according to God’s word, starting with the washing of Aaron and his sons in water (Ephesians 5:26). This time we read in:

Exodus 40:16 (NKJV) “Thus Moses did; according to all that the LORD had commanded him, so he did.”

And in the second year on the first day of the first month the Tabernacle was raised up. God was pleased and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

Exodus 40:35 (NKJV) “And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”

Moses was definitely a special man in the history of Israel and the world, he was the mediator of the Old Covenant, the Law of God, but we must always be reminded that, “The best of men, are men at best.” There is an infinite difference between man and God.

The Lord so graciously manifested Himself, His special presence to the children of Israel in the Tabernacle. He would personally lead them in the pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night, to give them light on the road they would travel (Exodus 40:36-38; Nehemiah 9:12).

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Mark 1:1-28

Warren Wiersbe offers a brief but excellent introduction to the Gospel of Mark, “John Mark was the cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10; Acts 4:36–37; 11:19–30) and the son of Mary, a leading woman in the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:12). He helped Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 12:25–13:5) but for some reason did not remain with them (Acts 13:13). That failure caused Paul and Barnabas to separate, but Barnabas gave Mark another chance (Acts 15:36–41). In later years, Mark became one of Paul’s associates (Philem. 24); and Paul commended him for his work (2 Tim. 4:11). It all ended well. First Peter 5:13 suggests that John Mark was converted through Peter’s ministry. Many Bible scholars believe that Mark’s gospel is a record of Peter’s reports of the ministry of Christ, presenting Jesus Christ as the Servant of God (Mark 10:45). Mark often used the word immediately, for he describes the work of a Servant who was busy obeying His Father and meeting the needs of people (1:10, 12, 20–21, etc.). Mark wrote with the Romans in mind, an active people who admired accomplishment.”

Mark doesn’t mince words. He dives right into it with the prophecies of Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3 – prophecies that point to the forerunner, John the Baptist who came preaching a baptism of repentance. Virtually “all the land of Judea” went out to him and were baptized by him, including Jesus Himself. 

John the Baptist does his job in pointing to and lifting up the coming Messiah, that in comparison to himself, there’s no comparison:

Mark 1:7–8 (NKJV) “And he preached, saying, ‘There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. 8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’”

People had begun to look to John – he corrected them, “I’m not the Christ, look to Him.” As Christians we are all merely “point-men” pointing others to Jesus.

After Jesus’ baptism the Holy Spirit descended upon Him for empowerment as His public ministry would now begin. He then heard those wonderful words from His Father, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” or to put it another way, “I love You Son, and I’m proud of You.” We see all three members of the Trinity at work.

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He fasted for 40 days and was tempted by Satan. Jesus defeated the devil and went forward in ministry, preaching the Kingdom, declaring His time as the fulfillment of prophecy, and calling on the people to repent and believe (Mark 1:15).

Jesus personally called His Apostles to be fishers of men, rather than fishers of fish. Peter, Andrew, James, and John all left their nets and followed Him. Of the twelve Apostles, seven were believed to previously be fishermen.

Jesus proceeded to teach and preach with authority, to cast out demons, and bring healing to the people. They were astonished (Mark 1:22) and amazed (Mark 1:27) at the way He did all things with such “authority” (see also Matthew 28:18-20).

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Psalm 35:1-16

David once again is praying for God’s protection.

Psalm 35:1 (NKJV) “Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me; fight against those who fight against me.”

David the soldier gives God the details on how to fight for him, suggesting shield, buckler, and spear; chase them away Lord, let the angel of the LORD pursue them.

More than likely this was a Psalm written when David was on the run from Saul. David had done nothing wrong – he was innocent.

Psalm 35:7 (NKJV) “For without cause they have hidden their net for me in a pit, which they have dug without cause for my life.”

David had only done good for Saul – even praying for him…and this was how he thanked him?

Psalm 35:12–14 (NKJV) “They reward me evil for good, to the sorrow of my soul. 13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; and my prayer would return to my own heart. 14 I paced about as though he were my friend or brother; I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother.”

O, the heart wrenching lessons in life. It doesn’t seem fair, or right, or make any sense at times – but keep praying, keep trusting. God will indeed work it all out for good.

It’s a sobering thought to think that our enemies “plot” to hurt us (Psalm 35:4). We therefore need to be on guard, to watch and pray. But it’s also a beautiful thought to think that God plans to bless us – His plans are good (Jeremiah 29:11), so let’s seek Him, with all of our hearts (Jeremiah 29:13).

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Proverbs 9:11-12

Proverbs 9:11-12 (NKJV) “For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you. ¹²If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you will bear it alone.”

Of course, we know that not everyone who is wise lives long – Jesus died for us at the age of 33, and yet Colossians 2:3 tells us that in Him “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” – Jim Elliott was 28 when he died as a missionary to the Auca Indians, and yet he was wise beyond his years. Therefore verse 11 is not a personal promise – it’s a general truth (Proverbs 3:2, 16). It’s not an absolute precept, it’s a general principle.

If we’re wise we will avoid the lives and lifestyles that often lead to premature death.

Verse 12 reminds us that we are personally and individually responsible for our lives. We make our decisions, and then our decisions make us.

Galatians 6:5, “For each one shall bear his own load.” Speaking of our personal prosperity or punishment.

Galatians 6:5 (NLT) “For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”

“This is perhaps the strongest expression of individualism in the Bible. Such statements (cf. Ezekiel 18; Galatians 6:4-5) are not meant to deny that people benefit or suffer from each other’s characters (cf. Proverbs 10:1), but to emphasize that the ultimate gainer or loser is the man himself.” – Derek Kidner

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.