Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Exodus 8 -- 10

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Plagues of frogs, lice, flies, death of cattle, boils, hail, locusts, and the utter darkness. If you think these eight plagues are bad wait until you see what happens in tomorrow's reading.
Verses for Today:

And Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them. . . . and he did not let the people go (Ex. 8:19; 9:7).
Moses had faithfully proclaimed the message of God to Pharaoh, telling him to permit the Israelites to leave Egypt. But on each occasion, Pharaoh's heart had become more hardened as he stubbornly refused to yield to the will of God. Up to this time, God had said that the hardening of Pharaoh's heart was caused by his own unwillingness to do what God had commanded. Now, it is stated: And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had spoken unto Moses (9:12).
On the next occasion, the confirmation that God had hardened Pharaoh's heart is even more emphatic. The word I is expressed in no uncertain terms (10:1).

Just as Pharaoh refused to obey the message of God, many people today stubbornly ignore the call of God to repent. The god of this world has blinded them so that they wrongly assume that they can get right with God on their own terms, or wait for some more convenient time, or they're good enough, or ?

But since the days of Noah, God has said: My Spirit shall not always strive with man (Gen. 6:3). No one ever comes to Christ on his own terms. Jesus said: No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him (John 6:44). There will come a time when the Spirit no longer will plead but will only judge.

A person is equally mistaken when they say they will live for Jesus later in life and refuse to give up control of their present way of living. But there will come a day when the time for repentance will be past. God alone decides how long He will be insulted (Jer. 7:16). Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (II Cor. 6:2).

All sin is rebellion against God. Oh, how seldom the unsaved realize the danger of making excuses to justify their sins. They always lead to self-deception and destruction!

To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts (Heb. 3:15).

Thought for Today:

Serve the Lord with gladness. . . . For the Lord is good (Ps. 100:2,5).
Christ Revealed:

As The Light of the world in contrast to a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt . . . but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings (Ex. 10:22-23). Jesus said: I am The Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness (John 8:12).
Word Studies:

8:3 kneadingtroughs =mixing vessels; 8:9 Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee =the honor is yours to tell me when I am to pray for you; 8:19 finger of God =act of God; 8:22 sever =wonderfully separate; 8:26 not meet =not proper; 9:20 feared the Word of the Lord =terrified by the threat of God; 9:28 Intreat =pray fervently; 9:31 bolled =ripening; 10:7 be a snare =ontinue to be a menace.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Joshua Belisle's salvation • Staff: George Kopchak • Government Official: Rep. Shelley Berkley (NV) • Country: Syria (17 million) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and Kurdish • Limited religious freedom for Christians • 90% Muslim; 4% Eastern Orthodox; 2% Roman Catholic; .25% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Trust in the Lord and wait upon Him in your prayers, for He will hear you (Mic. 7:7).
Optional Reading: Matthew 20

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:5

[Judy Harder]

Read Exodus 11 -- 13

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Death of the firstborn; Passover instructions; departure from Egypt; firstborn to be set apart; pillar of cloud and pillar of fire; journey begins to the promised land.
Verse for Today:

He shall surely thrust (expel) you out hence altogether (Ex. 11:1).
With each miraculous plague, God proved that Egypt's gods were false deities and that he is the Only True God. The final plague of judgment was death. God spoke to Moses: About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: And all the firstborn . . . shall die, from the firstborn of the Pharaoh . . . even unto the firstborn of the maid (11:4-5).
The suffering of the Israelites was needed to cause them to cry out to God in prayer for deliverance from Egypt . . . the house of bondage (13:14). Their hearts had to be severed from Egypt's satisfactions before they would look toward the Holy Land which the Lord had promised through His servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moreover, the suffering of the Israelites before their departure helped prepare them for the difficult days of their wilderness journey. And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts . . . And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread. . . . eat it, with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand (12:7-11). The Israelites are now given instructions on how to prepare for their release from the authority of Pharaoh to live in obedience to God.

We may never understand why troubles and sorrows come, but it is certain that we will never experience spiritual growth without them. Trials provide opportunities for a renewed spiritual awakening. The psalmist said: Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now I have kept Thy Word (Ps. 119:67).

Suffering is often the way God awakens within us a desire to separate ourselves from worldly things and have a longing to do His will. Just as precious metals such as gold and silver must go through a refining furnace to burn the impurities out of the metal, so God's people must be purified by going through the fires of testing. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried (Zech. 13:9).

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him (James 1:12).

Thought for Today:

All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (II Tim. 3:12).
Christ Revealed:

By the blood applied to the door posts. Jesus is not "a door," but The Door to heaven. There is no other way to heaven except through Him (Ex. 12:7,12-13,21-23; John 10:9;14:6; Acts 4:10-12).
Word Studies:

11:7 move his tongue =bark, growl; 12:9 purtenance =internal organs; 12:11 with your loins girded =dressed ready for travel; 12:22 hyssop =common plant of the mint family; lintel =crosspiece above the door; 12:36 spoiled =took all the valuables of; 13:2 Sanctify =Dedicate; 13:3 leavened bread =bread with yeast — symbolic of corruption and evil; 13:12 matrix =womb; 13:16 token =reminder that we belong to God; frontlets =small leather box containing Scripture; 13:17 repent =change their minds; 13:18 harnessed =in military order.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Joan Burby • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Officials: Sec. Gary Locke (Dept. of Commerce) and Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr. (Dept. of Justice) • Country: St. Lucia (154,000) in the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 83% Roman Catholic; 13% Protestant; 2% spirit worship • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice over and pray for those who share the Good News (Nah. 1:15).
Optional Reading: Matthew 21

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:5

 

[Judy Harder]

January 22, 2010 

Read Exodus 14 -- 16

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Miracle after miracle fills the chapters of this book. A reminder of the power of God. You will enjoy reading these events. Crossing the Red Sea; song of Moses; the waters of Marah; murmurings, manna, and quail.
Verse for Today:

And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord (Ex. 14:10).
The Israelites had traveled only a short distance in their walk toward the promised land when they saw Pharaoh's mighty army with their chariots rushing toward them. They immediately cried out, not in faith but in fear, unbelief, and anger. They also grumbled against Moses for leading them out of Egypt: Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness (14:10-12).
The Israelites should have believed God and trusted in His care. However, as they faced what seemed to be an impossible situation, they failed their first test of faith by looking at their circumstances rather than looking to God.

In contrast, Moses' faith was in God. Although he did not know how the Lord would deliver them, he confidently said: Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord . . . for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace (14:13-14).

While things were going well, there was no apparent difference between the faith of Moses and that of the people. Thus, the same trial that revealed the Israelites' unbelief also revealed Moses' faith in God.

The same is true with Christians. We have been freed from the power of sin to live a life of faith in God. Every trial and every disappointment gives us an opportunity to trust the Lord and praise Him for His goodness. As we remain faithful, our problems become blessings, often freeing us from self-will and self-sufficiency. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God (II Cor. 3:5). Let us exercise faith and experience His sufficiency.

Thought for Today:

Without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).
Christ Revealed:

Through the bread (manna) from heaven (Ex. 16: 4, 15). Jesus said: I am the Living Bread which came down from heaven (John 6:51; 6:32-50).
Word Studies:

14:8 with an high hand =triumphantly and without fear; 14:13 salvation =deliverance; 14:17 get me honour upon =triumph over; 15:25 proved them =tested their faith; 16:3 flesh pots =bowls; 16:15 wist not =did not know; 16:18 mete =measure; 16:20 hearkened not =would not listen; 16:23 holy sabbath =day of rest and worship to the Lord; seethe =oil.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Katherine O'Brien • Staff: Mike Moore • Government Official: Rep. Melissa Bean (IL) • Country: St. Vincent and The Grenadines (120,000) in the Lesser Antilles of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 50% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 2% spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Praise God for godly men of old who were faithful to record His Word of Truth (Hab. 2:1-2).
Optional Reading: Matthew 22

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:5

   

[Judy Harder]

January 23, 2010
 
Read Exodus 17 -- 19

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The Israelites are called a peculiar treasure (19:5), which meant they are set apart as a precious treasure to the Lord. Thirst causes murmuring against Moses; water from the rock; Amalek defeated; Jethro's advice accepted; God speaks on Mount Sinai.
Verses for Today:

If ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My Covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine: and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation (Ex. 19:5-6).
Just think! These poor, insignificant Israelites — with no influence or distinction — were privileged to be a peculiar (precious) treasure to the Lord. God would make of them an holy nation if they would live in obedience to Him. Thou shalt keep therefore His statutes, and His Commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee . . . and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, for ever (Deut. 4:40).
But from the time the children of Israel left Egypt to the time they reached the border of the promised land, they continually murmured and found fault with their circumstances. In Rephidim . . . there was no water for the people to drink. Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why . . . do ye tempt the Lord? (Ex. 17:1-2). Centuries later Asaph recorded: They sinned against Him (God) by provoking the Most High in the wilderness (Ps. 78:17).

The testings during their wilderness journey again and again exposed the Israelites' refusal to trust the Lord. God has warned us: Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation (rebellion), in the day of temptation (testing) in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted Me . . . and saw My works forty years. . . . I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err (disobey) in their heart (Heb. 3:8-10).

As we consider the Israelites who were freed from slavery to inherit the promised land, we realize that it was only by the loving permission of God that difficult circumstances come into our lives. Therefore, there are serious consequences when we complain and find fault with what is happening to us. There are serious consequences for anyone who finds fault and grumbles about their circumstances, for murmuring exposes unbelief in the things God has planned for us to go through to perfect our spiritual understanding. But giving thanks and praising the Lord honors Him.

Thought for Today:

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our adminition (I Cor. 10:10-11; Heb. 4:11).
Christ Revealed:

As the Rock and the Water that came forth from it (Ex. 17:6). They drank of that spiritual Rock that followed (accompanied) them: and that Rock was Christ (I Cor. 10:4; compare John 7:38).
Word Studies:

17:2 did chide with =angrily criticized; tempt =test; 17:12 heavy =too tired from holding up his hands; stayed up =supported; 17:13 discomfited =defeated; 17:15 Jehovah-nissi =the Lord is my banner; 18:7 obeisance =an expression of respect; 18:8 travail =hardships they endured; 19:4 bare =sustained; 19:5 peculiar treasure =exclusive, special possession; 19:16 trembled =were terrified; 19:21 charge =admonish.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Government Officials: Rep. Joe Baca (CA), Sen. Thomas Carper (DE), and Sen. Frank Lautenberg (NJ) • Country: Taiwan, Republic of China (22 million) 77 islands off the southeastern coast of Red China • Major language: Mandarin Chinese • Religious freedom • 80% "Chinese Religions" (Buddhist/Taoist/Confucian); 4% Christianity; .2% Muslim; 14% Atheist; 1.8% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Examine yourself. Has prosperity dulled your willingness to sacrifice (Hag. 1:4)?
Optional Reading: Matthew 23

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:5

 

[Judy Harder]

January 24, 2010
 
Read Exodus 20 -- 22

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Ten Commandments and other laws and regulations given. The Law is a mirror that reveals with absolute accuracy and authority what we are and what we should be. God reveals His perfect standard for His people to live by.
Verses for Today:

Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any gaven image. . . . Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain. . . . Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. . . . Honor thy father and thy mother. . . . Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Thou shalt not covet (Ex. 20:3-17).
The Ten Commandments were spoken directly by God Himself, and afterward were written with the finger of God (31:18). The Ten Commandments are of utmost importance since they were given to us by our Creator. It is no surprise that those who hate and reject God also hate to see them displayed. However, they are essential, basic principles for spiritual and moral conduct of mankind. Without them we have uncontrolled chaos. They were the basis of Hebrew law. Four of the Commandments (20:3-11) were given to the Israelites to help them recognize sin and understand the holy character of God. Six of them (20:12-17) dealt with their attitude and conduct toward their fellowman.
Jesus condensed all the Law into two Commandments when He said: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. . . . Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself (Matt. 22:36-40).

As holy and perfect as the Ten Commandments are, Christ told a rich man that even if he kept all of the Commandments from the time he was a child, there was still one more thing he needed to do — give up the wealth that had captured his heart and let Christ become Lord and Master of his life (Mark 10:17-22).

The rich young ruler who thought that he had kept the Law was sorrowful when the Lord Jesus exposed his covetousness. Many think they are good enough but we read in Galatians: The Law was our schoomaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith (Gal. 3:24).

If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him (John 14:23).

Down through the years, people have hoped to get to heaven by being good; but they are unwilling to give up things that would keep them from loving the Lord with all their hearts.

Thought for Today:

It's how much of the Word of God that controls our life that really matters — not how much of it we know.
Christ Revealed:

The perfection of Christ is revealed through the Ten Commandments, for He kept all of them (Ex. 20:1-17). He was perfect and without sin (Heb. 4:15).
Word Studies:

20:10 Sabbath =day of rest to honor God; 20:13 kill =murder; 21:8 strange nation =foreign people; 21:14 presumptuously =willfully, overstepping due bounds; with guile =treacherously; 21:19 be quit =be acquitted, blameless; 21:22 her fruit depart from her =she suffer a miscarriage; 22:2 breaking up =breaking in; smitten =struck with a fatal blow; 22:16 endow =make a marriage payment for, pay a dowry for; 22:21 vex =wrongfully treat; 22:24 wax =become; 22:25 usurer =one who loans with interest; 22:31 holy men unto Me =special people consecrated to My service.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Government Officials: Sec. Shaun Donovan (Dept. of Housing & Urban Development), Rep. Bart Gordon (TN), and Rep. Mike Thompson (CA) • Country: Tajikistan (6 million) southeast central Asia • Major languages: Tajik and Russian • Almost entirely Muslim • 82% Muslim; 4% Russian Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Glory in the Lord. He is Victor over Satan (Zech. 3:2).
Optional Reading: Matthew 24

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:6

[Judy Harder]

January 25, 2010 

Read Exodus 23 -- 25

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Laws instituted; three annual Feasts (Festivals) required, which must be kept; angel promised for a guide; instructions for Tabernacle furnishings. Confirming the Covenant (24:4-8). God desires to dwell with His children, to commune with them (25:8,22).
Verse for Today:

Thou shalt not raise a false report (Ex. 23:1).
To raise a false report means more than repeating slander. The Hebrew word carries the thought that a person should also refuse to listen to slander. A few verses later this principle is made more explicit: Keep thee far from a false matter (23:7).
Slander is perhaps the easiest, most subtle sin a person commits; yet, it is so wicked that it is listed with the seven most abominable sins that God hates (Prov. 6:16-19). Of all sins, some of the vilest are committed with the tongue. The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell (James 3:6).

How thoughtlessly some people spread gossip! But God says that he that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. . . . He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends (Prov. 10:18; 17:9).

By gossiping, some Christians have destroyed the good reputations of others, as well as their own usefulness. They may appear to be fruitful Christians, but the Bible says: If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain (James 1:26).

A talebearer openly hinders the working of the Holy Spirit. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly (Prov. 18:. Instead of a good report, there is evil speaking; instead of praise, there is condemnation; instead of loving forgiveness, there is malice. How we need to avoid the horrible sin of gossip and anyone who wants us to listen to gossip!

Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Phil. 4:.

Thought for Today:

These . . . things doth the Lord hate . . . he that soweth discord among brethren (Prov. 6:16,19).
Christ Revealed:

As the Ark of the Covenant (Testimony). The wood demonstrated His humanity; the gold overlay represented His deity. Only through His blood sprinkled on the Ark could one receive forgiveness. God dwelt above the Mercy Seat (Ex. 25:10-22). Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He (Jesus) entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us (Heb. 9:12).
Word Studies:

23:2 neither . . . decline after many to wrest judgement =won't side with the majority to pervert justice; 23:5 forbear to help him =refuse to help him; 23:8 gift = bribe; 23:13 be circumspect = pay strict attention; 23:23 cut them off =utterly destroy them; 23:31 bounds =boundaries; sea of the Philistines = Mediterranean Sea; the river =the Euphrates River; 24:11 laid not his hand =did not strike down; 25:22 commune =speak.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. G.R. Bettle • Staff: Dan Murton • Government Officials: Gov. Chet Culver (IA) and Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ) • Country: Tanzania (31.3 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: Swahili and English • Churches are expected to help implement Marxist policy • 45% Christian; 19% Muslim; .4% Baha'i; .1% Hindu; 35.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord, for He promises to answer you (Zech. 13:9).
Optional Reading: Matthew 25

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:6

[Judy Harder]

January 26, 2010   

Read Exodus 26 -- 28

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Directions given for constructing the Tabernacle, court, furniture, and enclosure; plans for the altar; Aaron's priestly garments; plans for the ephod. Notice the progression from suffering, blood, and death — to beauty, holiness, and the glory of God in these chapters.
Verses for Today:

Thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. . . . And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD (Ex. 28:2,36).
God chose Aaron to be the high priest, a mediator between God and man. His holy garments, and the inscription on his forehead, HOLINESS TO THE LORD, signified that he was not to be involved in any other occupation but to be devoted to serving the Lord: Thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto Me in the priest's office (28:3).
But no man at best is good enough to stand before a holy God. Even the high priest needed to be cleansed before he could be the representative of God to His people and the people's representative before the Lord. Only after offering a sacrificial animal for his own sins could the high priest take the blood of the sacrificed lamb into the Holy of Holies to obtain the mercy and forgiveness of God, covering the people's sin for a year.

Through the high priest, God provided a way for sinful man to worship Him and for God to communicate His blessing to His people. The gold plate engraved with HOLINESS TO THE LORD was to be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord (28:38).

As Mediator, Christ fulfills not only the position of High Priest, but through His death on the cross, Christ also fulfilled the position of the Lamb whose blood was offered for sins. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Eph. 1:7).

Apart from the blood of Christ, we would all be separated from God because of our disobedience and sins. But by faith we are fully forgiven because of His mercy and grace (Eph. 2:1; Rom. 3:24; 5:8; see also Heb. 10:1,10,12).

Thought for Today:

Rejoice in the Lord alway. . . . Let your moderation (gentleness) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand (Phil. 4:4-5).
Christ Revealed:

Through the Brasen Altar, upon which the Sin Offering was burned (Ex. 27:1-8; Lev. 4:1-35). Jesus' offering of Himself as the final sacrifice was the fulfillment of all Old Testament altars as well as all sacrificial offerings. Jesus Christ. . . . In whom we have redemption through His blood (Eph. 1:5-7; John 1:29,36; Col. 1:14; Heb. 9:12).
Word Studies:

26:1 cunning work =skillful workmanship; 26:2 have one measure =be the same measurement; 28:2 holy garments =God-appointed clothing was required to participate in worship services; 28:8 curious girdle => skillfully made belt; 28:43 bear not iniquity =not be guilty of sin.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Helen Prater • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Officials: Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA), Rep. Kevin McCarty (CA), and Rep. Albio Sires (NJ) • Country: Thailand (60 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Thai and English • Limited freedom of Christian ministry; Buddhism is the state religion • 92% Buddhist; 4% Muslim; 2% Chinese folk-religionist; 1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Can you say you are ready for the Lord's coming (Mal. 3:2)?
Optional Reading: Matthew 26

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:6

[Judy Harder]

January 27, 2010 

Read Exodus 26 -- 28

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Directions given for constructing the Tabernacle, court, furniture, and enclosure; plans for the altar; Aaron's priestly garments; plans for the ephod. Notice the progression from suffering, blood, and death — to beauty, holiness, and the glory of God in these chapters.
Verses for Today:

Thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. . . . And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD (Ex. 28:2,36).
God chose Aaron to be the high priest, a mediator between God and man. His holy garments, and the inscription on his forehead, HOLINESS TO THE LORD, signified that he was not to be involved in any other occupation but to be devoted to serving the Lord: Thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto Me in the priest's office (28:3).
But no man at best is good enough to stand before a holy God. Even the high priest needed to be cleansed before he could be the representative of God to His people and the people's representative before the Lord. Only after offering a sacrificial animal for his own sins could the high priest take the blood of the sacrificed lamb into the Holy of Holies to obtain the mercy and forgiveness of God, covering the people's sin for a year.

Through the high priest, God provided a way for sinful man to worship Him and for God to communicate His blessing to His people. The gold plate engraved with HOLINESS TO THE LORD was to be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord (28:38).

As Mediator, Christ fulfills not only the position of High Priest, but through His death on the cross, Christ also fulfilled the position of the Lamb whose blood was offered for sins. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Eph. 1:7).

Apart from the blood of Christ, we would all be separated from God because of our disobedience and sins. But by faith we are fully forgiven because of His mercy and grace (Eph. 2:1; Rom. 3:24; 5:8; see also Heb. 10:1,10,12).

Thought for Today:

Rejoice in the Lord alway. . . . Let your moderation (gentleness) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand (Phil. 4:4-5).
Christ Revealed:

Through the Brasen Altar, upon which the Sin Offering was burned (Ex. 27:1-8; Lev. 4:1-35). Jesus' offering of Himself as the final sacrifice was the fulfillment of all Old Testament altars as well as all sacrificial offerings. Jesus Christ. . . . In whom we have redemption through His blood (Eph. 1:5-7; John 1:29,36; Col. 1:14; Heb. 9:12).
Word Studies:

26:1 cunning work =skillful workmanship; 26:2 have one measure =be the same measurement; 28:2 holy garments =God-appointed clothing was required to participate in worship services; 28:8 curious girdle => skillfully made belt; 28:43 bear not iniquity =not be guilty of sin.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Helen Prater • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Officials: Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA), Rep. Kevin McCarty (CA), and Rep. Albio Sires (NJ) • Country: Thailand (60 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Thai and English • Limited freedom of Christian ministry; Buddhism is the state religion • 92% Buddhist; 4% Muslim; 2% Chinese folk-religionist; 1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Can you say you are ready for the Lord's coming (Mal. 3:2)?
Optional Reading: Matthew 26

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:6
 

[Judy Harder]

  Bible Pathways

Thursday, January 28, 2010 

Read Exodus 32 -- 34

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Moses delayed on Mount Sinai; Aaron's golden calf; its destruction; death of 3,000 Israelites; Law renewed; the Covenant of God; three feasts.
Verses for Today:

Moses took the Tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp . . . every one which sought the Lord went out unto the Tabernacle (Ex. 33:7).
Certain requirements, without exception, were necessary before a person could acceptably worship the Lord. After passing through the gate into the fenced enclosure, the worshiper approached the Brazen Altar, also known as the Altar of Burnt Offering. The precious gold so freely used elsewhere was not used on this altar. Instead it was overlaid with bronze (sometimes called brass), which was symbolic of the judgment of God. This reminded the worshiper of his own guilt and the fact that he deserved judgment from a holy God. A lamb had to be sacrificed for his sins. Only the priest could offer the sacrifice on the Brazen Altar. But first, he had to wash his hands and feet at the Laver.
We too need cleansing: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9).

The Laver represents the need not just for onetime or occasional cleansing but for continually examining ourselves in the mirror of the Word of God and then separating ourselves from everything that defiles.

If any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect Law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (James 1:23-25).

The Bible reveals our inability to live the Christian life in our own strength: We know that the Law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. . . . for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the Law that is good (Rom. 7:14-16). We need the cleansing that comes through reading and applying His Word each day. Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3). Sanctify them through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth (17:17). This cleansing makes it possible for us to live in practical, daily fellowship with our Lord.

Thought for Today:

Laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Pet. 2:1-2).
Christ Revealed:

As the One who is ever-present. My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest (peace) (Ex. 33:14). He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Heb. 13:5; compare Matt. 11:28; John 14:27).
Word Studies:

32:7 corrupted themselves =behaved sinfully; 32:9 stiffnecked =willfully disobedient; 32:12 mischief =evil intent; repent of =renounce; 32:14 repented =was moved with compassion and turned from; 32:20 strawed =scattered; 32:25 naked =out of control; made them naked =allowed them to sin; 32:34 will visit =will inflict punishment; 32:35 plagued the people =caused them to suffer; 34:10 terrible thing that I will do =amazing, awesome, feaful act of God; 34:12 be for a snare in the midst of thee =drove to be your ruin; 34:13 groves =places of idol worship; 34:17 molten gods =metal idols; 34:19 all that openeth the matrix =the firstborn, all that are first to come out of the womb; firstling =firstborn; 34:21 in earing time = at plowing time; 34:26 seethe a kid =took a young goat; 34:27 after the tenor of =according to.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Internatonal Broadcasts sponsored by Matthew Jaworsky • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Government Officials: Rep. Brian Bilbray (CA), Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA), Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (NH), and Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS) • Country: Togo (5 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and several African languages • Limited religious freedom • 41% belief in false gods and voodoo; 32% Roman Catholic; 19% Muslim; 8% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Confess wrongs you have committed to the Lord and to those whom you have hurt; ask for forgiveness (Matt. 5:23-24).
Optional Reading: Matthew 28

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:6

[Judy Harder]

Read Exodus 35 -- 37

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Freewill offerings for the Tabernacle; construction of the Tabernacle; the Ark; Mercy Seat; Table of Shewbread; Candlestick (Lampstand); Altar of Incense.
Verses for Today:

Every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the Lord hath commanded; The Tabernacle, His tent, and His covering . . . The Table . . . vessels, and the Shewbread (Ex. 35:10-13).
After the priest had washed his hands and feet at the Laver, he entered the only entance to the Holy Place. On the left side, there was a seven-branched golden Candlestick (Lampstand): His branch . . . And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the Candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the Candlestick out of the other side thereof (37:17-18).
The Lampstand contained oil, which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The Lampstand itself represents Christ as The Light of the world (John 8:12). It shed light on the Shewbread, which portrays Christ as the Bread of Life (6:48). Without this light from the golden lampstand, the room would have been in total darkness, for outside light was shut out of the Tabernacle.

The word Shewbread has a two-fold meaning: it was used for food for those who were priests and their families. But the word also implies gaining spiritual insight that was not attainable any other way.

If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:6-7).

Shewbread is symbolic of the priceless, incomparable value of our Bible as spiritual food. Christ enlightens, empowers, and transforms the lives of those who prayerfully meditate upon His Word.

Jesus said: I am The Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have The Light of life (John 8:12). In Him was Life; and The Life was The Light of men (1:4). Christ, the Giver of Life, is also The Life; and as we live in fellowship with Him, our lives will continue to become more and more an expression of His life.

Thought for Today:

When we have a desire to do the will of God, the Holy Spirit enlightens our understanding as we read the Word of God and He enables us to live according to His Word.
Christ Revealed:

Through the Candlestick (Ex. 35:14). Christ is The Light of the world (John 1:6-9; 8:12; 9:5; compare Luke 1:78-79).
Word Studies:

35:10 wise hearted =craftsman with a heart for the Lord; 35:32 curious =skillful.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Assistant to Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Government Officials: Rep. Paul Ryan (WI) and Rep. Lee Terry (NE) • Country: Tonga (109,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: Tongan and English • Religious freedom • 55% Protestant; 22% Mormon; 14% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for those who have hurt you (Matt. 5:44).
Optional Reading: Mark 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:6