Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Exodus 38 -- 39
Highlights In Today's Reading:

Altar of Burnt Offering; the Tabernacle courtyard; all priests' garments.
Verses for Today:

The Golden Altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the Tabernacle door (Ex. 39:38).
Directly in front of the entrance to the Holy of Holies was a Golden Altar called the Altar of Incense. The high priest offered incense on this altar, which was symbolic of intercessory prayer to God. Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense (Ps. 141:2). And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense (Luke 1:10). This Golden Altar of incense was used exclusively to burn incense morning and evening. The fragrance was not released until the fire brought it out. Then the sweet odor that ascended toward heaven day and night satisfied God.
And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations (Ex. 30:7-8). The Apostle Paul exhorted: Pray without ceasing (I Thess. 5:17). Notice the incense was burnt when the lamps were dressed or lighted. The psalmist recorded: Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet, and a Light unto my path (Ps. 119:105). We are warned: He that turneth away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer shall be abomination (Prov. 28:9).

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Rom. 8:26-27).

For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (I Tim. 2:5).

The Altar of Incense was the smallest piece of furniture in the Tabernacle, and, as such, may seem insignificant. But this Altar was symbolic of Christ praying for Christians. He receives the prayers and praise of even the most helpless Christian. The Holy Spirit transforms them into a sweet fragrance before God. The intercession of the Holy Spirit makes our prayers precious to God.

Thought for Today:

Thank God for the privilege and the power of prayer!
Christ Revealed:

Through the Golden Altar and its incense — representing prayers going up to heaven (Ex. 39:38; also Rev. 5:8; 8:3-4). Christ prayed for us. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word (John 17:20).
Word Studies:

39:2 ephod = high priest's outer garment, apron; 39:15 wreathen work = braided cords; 39:20 curious =intricately woven; 39:39 laver =large basin used for washing before entering the Tabernacle; foot =stand, base.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Government Officials: Gov. John Baldacci (ME) and Rep. Frank Wolf (VA) • Country: Trinidad and Tobago (1 million) two islands seven miles off the coast of Venezuela • Major languages: English and Hindi • Religious freedom • 34% Protestant; 29% Roman Catholic; 25% Hindu; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in secret before God, not seeking human praise (Matt. 6:6).
Optional Reading: Mark 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:6

 

[Judy Harder]

January 31, 2010 

Read Exodus 40
Highlights In Today's Reading:

Tabernacle completed and erected; furnishings arranged; consecration of Aaron and his sons; the glory of the Lord filling the Tabernacle.
Verses for Today:

He took and put the Testimony into the Ark, and set the staves on the Ark, and put the Mercy Seat above upon the Ark (Ex. 40:20).
The Holy of Holies was the place of the presence of God. It was also where God met with the high priest on behalf of His people (25:22; Heb. 9).
The only piece of furniture within the Holy of Holies was the Ark of the Testimony. Its solid gold lid was called the Mercy Seat and was symbolic of the pure and perfect covering for sin from the judgment of a perfect Law. And He (Jesus) is the propitiation (atonement, satisfaction) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world (I John 2:2). Included in the items inside this ark were the two tables of testimony —the tablets of stone with the Ten Commandments written by the finger of God which he gave to Moses on Mount Sinai (Ex. 31:18).

The cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the Mercy Seat with their wings . . . toward the Mercy Seat shall the faces of the cherubims be (Ex. 25:20). The Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle Peter to write of the Gospel . . . which things the angels desire to look into (I Pet. 1:12). Below the Mercy Seat was the Law. We too should desire to look daily into the Word of God, for 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 1:25).

Only one man — the high priest (a type of Christ) — could enter the Holy of Holies. Once a year on the Day of Atonement, he sprinkled the blood of the sacrificed animal on the Mercy Seat seven times (Lev. 6:14) — symbolic of the perfect and complete atonement for sin which was to come. Not until atonement for sin had been made was the high priest qualified to stand before God to receive instruction and guidance for the nation.

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us (Heb. 9:12).

The Holy Law revealed how all mankind was guilty of sin and deserved death (Rom. 3:19-20; 6:23). But, Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us (Gal. 3:13).

Thought for Today:

A vital qualification of a servant of God is a willingness to yield to God's revealed will through His Word.
Christ Portrayed:

By Aaron as the high priest (Ex. 40:13). Christ being come an High Priest. . . . to appear in the presence of God for us (Heb. 9:7-24).
Word Studies:

40:3 the Testimony =the Ten Commandments; cover the Ark with the vail = hang a curtain to separate the Most Holy Place; 40:7 Laver = large basin or bowl used for washing the hands and feet; 40:10 sanctify = consecrate to God; 40:11 his foot = its stand; 40:20 staves =poles with which to carry; 40:24 over against =pposite.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Larry Kissell (NC) and Rep. C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (MD) • Country: Tunisia (10 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and French • Islamic state — no open ministry for Christ is permitted; strict surveillance of all Christian activities • 99+% Muslim; .3% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Don't try to impress others with your prayers; pray about whatever is on your heart (Matt. 6:7-8).
Optional Reading: Mark 3

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:2-4

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 1 -- 3

Highlights:

Burnt Offering; Meat (Meal, Grain) Offering; Peace Offering.
Verses for Today:

Speak unto the children of Israel . . . If any man of you bring an offering unto the Lord, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock. If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord. And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him (Lev. 1:2-4).
The first three offerings mentioned in the first three chapters of Leviticus were called sweet savour offerings (1:9,13,17; 2:2, 9; 3:5,16), meaning they were voluntary and pleasing to God.
The first offering mentioned is a burnt sacrifice. It symbolized the offerer giving his own life in full submission to God without a selfish motive. The offering was to be a bull, lamb or goat, turtledoves or pigeons, each according to the financial ability of the offerer (1:3,10,14). The less-expensive turtledoves or young pigeons were the offering made by Joseph and Mary, the mother of Jesus, for her purification following His birth. This points out how very poor they were before the wise men arrived with their expensive gifts (Luke 2:22-24; Matt. 2:11; Lev. 12:2-8).

But, whatever was chosen for the offering, it was to be the best of its kind: A male without blemish (22:19). This offering was a type of our perfect Savior — the Lamb of God who was without blemish and without spot (I Pet. 1:19) and teaches us to offer our best unto God. Too many people think that they should meet their needs first, and then give to God from what — if anything — is left and this is not pleasing to God.

The procedure for the Burnt Offering was for the offerer to lay his hands heavily upon the head of the animal, symbolizing the transfer of sin from the guilty to the sinless in atonement for his sin. Next, the offerer had to kill the bullock before the Lord: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the Altar (Lev. 1:5). The blood offered to God indicated that a life had been given as a substitute for the one who had sinned and who deserved to die. This act was a foreshadowing of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar (special) people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:13-14).

Thought for Today:

Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them (Ps. 119:129).
Christ Revealed:

Through the Meat (Meal finely ground, symbolic of the perfection of Christ and His willingness to be crushed for us) Offering. This offering was made without leaven (symbolic of sin) (Lev. 2:11). Christ was without sin (Heb. 4:15).
Word Studies:

1:9 sweet savour =acceptable satisfying fragrance; 2:3 holy =set apart for God and according to the Word of God; 2:4 unleavened =without yeast; 2:12 oblation =offering; 2:13 suffer =allow; 3:9 hard by =near to, close to.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide • International Broadcasts sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Official: Sen. Mike Enzi (WY) • Country: Turkey (64 million) in Asia Minor and southeastern Europe • Major languages: Turkish, Kurdish, and Arabic • Official resistance to Christian witnessing • 79% Sunni Muslim; 20% Alawi Shi'ite Muslim; .2% Christian; .04% Jewish (25,000); .09% Armenian Orthodox; .02% Syrian Orthodox; .02% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that the will of God be done in every situation you face today (Matt. 6:10).
NOTE: We list the President, Vice President, Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet Members, Senators, Representatives, and Governors on their birthdays. Because we publish in advance our list may not reflect the results of the most recent elections.

Optional Reading: Mark 4

NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:2-4

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 4 -- 6

Highlights:

Sin Offering; Trespass Offering; further directions concerning Burnt, Meat (Meal,Grain), and Sin Offerings.
Verses for Today:

And this is the Law of the Meat Offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the Lord. . . . And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the Meat Offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which is upon the Meat Offering, and shall burn it upon the Altar for a sweet savour . . . unto the Lord. And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened (yeast-free) bread . . . in the court of the Tabernacle . . . they shall eat it. It shall not be baken with leaven. . . . it is most holy, as is the Sin Offering, and as the Trespass Offering (Lev. 6:14-17).
The word translated Meat (Meal) Offering is minchah, "a required gift" paid to a king by a peasant. It consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense (2:1). The priest took a handful of the Meal Offering (the Lord's portion) and burned it on the altar, signifying the offerer was now in a right relationship with the Most High God.
The grain of wheat represents Christ, the sinless Savior, who laid aside His glory as the God of creation to be crushed like a grain of wheat by the mill of humiliation. He was wounded for our transgressions (sins, rebellion), He was bruised for our iniquities (moral evil or wickedness) (Is. 53:5). Just as the grain in the Meal Offering had to be ground into flour before it could be used, Jesus was broken by His death on the cross to become the Bread of Life for His people. His sacrificial death is only effectual for repentant sinners who receive Him as their Savior and Lord.

While the Burnt Offering expressed a consecration of self, the Meat Offering was a consecration of service. As the offerer brought fine flour, it reminded the people that God provided their food and that they, in turn, owed Him their lives. The grain was crushed and ground into fine flour, which was mixed with oil, frankincense, and salt (Lev. 2:1,13), and then baked (2:4-7). Frankincense, as it burned with the offering, gave forth a pleasing odor symbolizing that the prayers and intercessions of all who are in Covenant relationship with God are accepted by Him.

A Meal Offering made with leaven (yeast) was not acceptable to God. Yeast is symbolic of the moral impurity and evil that corrupts human hearts. What a lesson for those who are expecting the blessings of God without removing the moral impurities from their lives! Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded (James 4:.

Thought for Today:

For us to be an expression of the Meal Offering, the leaven of sin and self-will must be removed from our lives.
Christ Revealed:

Through the body of the young bull which was burned without the camp (Lev. 4:12). This pictures Jesus as He suffered without the gate (Heb. 13:11-12).
Word Studies:

5:3 it be hid from him =he is unaware of it; 5:4 if a soul swear =if a person makes a vow; 5:8 asunder =in two parts; 5:17 wist it not =was unaware of it; shall bear his iniquity =is responsible for his sin; 6:2 fellowship =partnership.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Rodriguez • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Dr. Rick Hash • Government Official: Sen. John Cornyn (TX) • Country: Turkmenistan (4.8 million) southwestern central Asia • Major languages: Turkmen and Russian • Religious freedom • 89% Muslim (largely Sunni); 9% Eastern Orthodox; 2% Unknown/Other (Catholic, Protestant, Baha'i, Jehovah's Witness, Hare Krishna) • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for your daily needs (Matt. 6:11).
Optional Reading: Mark 5

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:2-4

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 7 -- 8

Highlights:

Regulations concerning offerings; consecration of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood, and the priests' offerings
Verses for Today:

The priest shall burn the fat upon the Altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'. And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest for an Heave (lifted up and waved before the Lord as a gift) Offering of the sacrifices of your Peace Offerings (Lev. 7:31-32).
The Peace Offering was the only offering shared by the Lord, the priest, and his family. This offering of completeness, expressed restored fellowship between God and man. A right relationship with God results in love and peace in fellowship with other believers.
Therefore being justified (being in a right relationship with God) by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1).

The Peace Offering could be brought for answered prayer, in connection with a vow, or as an act of thanksgiving, and was always a joyful occasion of thankfulness for the blessings of God. Although not required, strict regulations had to be followed. To offer a Peace Offering, we read that the offerer shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the Altar round about (Lev. 3:2).

The priest burned the fat on the altar, for the fat was always the portion for God and was never to be eaten. Whosoever eateth the fat of the beast, of which men offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord, even the soul (person) that eateth it shall be cut off from his people (7:25).

In all the offerings, the Lord's portion was presented first from all sources of increase (Deut. 14:22,28; 26:12; Prov. 3:9). Today, just as then, we are never to give the Lord what is left over after every other desire is met.

Many Christians never experience the full meaning of the Peace Offering. The peace of God is the result of not only making peace with God but of maintaining peace with others (Phil. 4:7). Ill will, jealousy, envy, and hatred for others destroys the peace of God.

Nothing is greater than having the God of peace ruling our hearts! Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful (Col. 3:15).

Thought for Today:

Great peace have they which love Thy Law: and nothing shall offend them (Ps. 119:165).
Christ Portrayed:

By Moses as he consecrated the priests who were called for the work (Lev. 8:1-30). Christ is the One who sets the believer apart for service. Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained (appointed) you (John 15:16).
Word Studies:

7:14 oblation =nonrequired freewill offering; 7:18 abomination =offensive thing, defiled, unclean, detestable to God; 7:25 cut off from his people =excommunicated from family and nation; 8:8 Urim, Thummim =now-unknown objects placed in the breastplate of the high priest by which he ascertained the will of God.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Carolyn P. Ferrell • Government Official: Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA) • Country: Tuvalu (11,000) nine islands in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: Tuvaluan and English • Religious freedom • 92% Protestant; 5% Baha'i; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Forgive others without exception, and then ask the Lord to forgive you (Matt. 6:12).
Optional Reading: Mark 6

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:2-4

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 9 -- 10

Highlights:

First offerings of Aaron; offerings for the people; sin and deaths of Nadab and Abihu; restrictions for the priesthood.
Verse for Today:

Moses said unto Aaron . . . offer thy Sin Offering, and thy Burnt Offering, and make an atonement for thyself, and for the people (Lev. 9:7).
The Sin Offering (4:1 — 5:13; 6:24-30) and the Trespass Offering (5:6-7; 7:1-10) were required to restore the broken relationship between God and sinful man and were the first two offerings to be presented.
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the Commandments of the Lord . . . let him bring . . . a Sin Offering (4:1-4,22-23,27-28). Disobedience to the will of God is sin and must be repented of and atoned for. Ignorance of the Law of God does not excuse sinning (Rom. 2:12-16) since it is due to willful neglect of His Word. Each person brought his own animal to be offered upon the Altar for his sins.

With other offerings, the Israelite came as a worshiper; but when offering a Sin or Trespass Offering, he came confessing himself a sinner. The offerer placed his hand upon the head of the animal, symbolic of passing his sins to the innocent animal. The animal was then put to death instead of the sinner. The priest sprinkled the blood before the Lord, and the worshiper's sins were covered — but his sins were not removed until Christ offered one sacrifice (died on the cross) for sins forever (Heb. 10:10,12).

Christ is also our Trespass Offering. In the place where they kill the . . . Trespass Offering: and the blood thereof shall he sprinkle round about upon the Altar (Lev. 7:2). The offender was just as guilty for trespasses committed in ignorance. All who refuse to live according to the Bible will face the judgment of God. For if we sin willfully . . . there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins (Heb. 10:26).

The Lord Jesus not only presented Himself as a sacrifice to God for the sins of everyone who received Him as their Savior, but He also fulfilled the position of the priest, becoming our great High Priest who ever liveth to make intercession for us (7:25). Thus, He became both the Sacrifice for our sins and the Mediator between God and man (2:17; 4:15).

We have escaped the pollutions (corruptions) of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (II Pet. 2:20).

Thought for Today:

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee (Is. 26:3).
Christ Revealed:

Through the sacrifice of a lamb without blemish (Lev. 9:2-3). Behold the Lamb of God, which (who) taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Word Studies:

10:3 glorified =highly honored; 10:10 holy and unholy =sacred and profane; 10:13 thy due =yours legally; 10:14 heave (lift up before the Lord) shoulder =thigh.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Dorothy Johnson • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Country: Uganda (23 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Luganda • Religious freedom • 51% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 10% animist; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to lead you in all that you do (Matt. 6:13).
Optional Reading: Mark 7

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:2-4

[Judy Harder]

Bible Pathways

Friday, February 5, 2010   

Read Leviticus 11 -- 13

Highlights:

The laws concerning food, motherhood, leprosy.
Verses for Today:

He is a leprous man, he is unclean. . . . And . . . his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean. . . . he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be (Lev. 13:44-46).
The word "leper" struck terror in the heart of an Israelite for two reasons. First, the leper was forced to leave his home — his family, friends, and place of worship — and live outside the camp. In his extreme grief and deep humiliation, this poor, wretched person had to pass through the camp for one last time, crying: Unclean! Unclean! (13:44-46). But perhaps the most horrifying reason leprosy was so feared is that there was no known cure for it.
When leprosy first appears, it seems harmless — just a small white or pink spot on the skin and, in its earliest stages, it is totally painless. The spot might remain for months or even years before it begins to develop further. Eventually, leprosy causes an extremely repulsive disfigurement of the entire body, including spongy tumor-like swellings on the face and head. The movement of joints causes deep, painful, bleeding fissures. The fingers and toes become misshapen, rough, and ragged. The fingernails swell, curl up, and fall off. And, as leprosy progresses, the flesh develops offensive, running sores, and the gums begin to bleed. Eventually, as the years pass, the leper becomes thin and weak, plagued with diarrhea, an incessant thirst, and burning fever.

Leprosy illustrates how insignificant a sin may first appear but how dreadful, loathsome, and fatal it can become. The leper being separated from the place of sacrifice and worship illustrates how sin, which makes us "unclean," separates us from the presence of God (II Thess. 1:8-9). Sin destroys the joy of life and, if it continues, will eventually lead to the ruin of both body and soul. People controlled by sin, unless they turn to Christ, truly repent, and forsake their sins, exist in a state of living death.

Satan brought all sin and death into the world. Christ is the revelation of our loving Father who desires to impart eternal life and cleansing from all sin. I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am Holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves. . . . Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am Holy (Lev. 11:44; I Pet. 1:16).

The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin . . . If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:7,9).

Thought for Today:

Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near (Is. 55:6).
Christ Revealed:

Through the priest who looked on the plague after it was washed to pronounce it clean (Lev. 13:55,59). Jesus Christ. . . . Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood (Rev. 1:5).
Word Studies:

11:3 clovenfooted =hoof parted into two distinct hooves; 13:2 rising =swelling; 13:4 shut up =isolate; 13:5 be at a stay =has not changed; 13:10 quick raw =ulcer forming; 13:51 fretting =contagious, spreading.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Duvall • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Official: Gov. Jennifer Granholm (MI) • Country: Ukraine (51 million) east-central Europe • Major languages: Ukrainian and Russian • Religious freedom • 55% Orthodox (various jurisdictions); 15% Catholic (mainly Greek-Catholic); 3.2% Protestant; 1% Jews; .5% Muslim; 25.3% Agnostic/Atheist/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to forgive you of all ill will, grudges, or hatred you may hold in your heart toward another person (Matt. 6:14-15).
Optional Reading: Mark 8

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:2-4

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 14 -- 15

Highlights:

Purification of skin diseases; the law of uncleanness of men and women; sacrifice for cleansing from defilements.
Verses for Today:

This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing . . . Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean . . . he . . . shall dip . . . the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water: And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field (Lev.. 14:2,4,6-7).
Feel the total despair as the priest diagnosed the condition of this pitiful person as unclean. You say goodbye for the last time, to your family and loved ones. For now you must live outside the camp. You awake every morning unneeded and uncared for by anyone. And then, beyond your wildest dreams, the leprosy disappears! Imagine the joy of being restored to your friends and family and the privilege of worshiping the Living God.
The rites for the cleansing of the person who has been healed of leprosy were necessary to restore that person back into the worshiping community. The first part of the cleansing ritual was celebrated by presenting two live and clean birds. One of the birds is killed and placed in a clay pot with fresh water. The living bird is dipped in the blood in the pot. Then the blood from the pot is sprinkled on the person to be cleansed and the living bird is released to fly away. The bird that dies portrays what would have happened to the person if he was not cleansed. The bird that flies away may be symbolic of the new life now given to the healed person as he watches the bird vanish from sight!

Some of the blood of the Trespass Offering is to be put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot (14:14,25). Some of the oil is sprinkled seven times before the Lord (vss. 16,27) so this person, brought back from outside the camp into fellowship again with the people of God, is now dedicated again to hearing, serving, and walking with the Living God.

One of the reasons for witnessing to our faith with people "outside the camp" and for inviting them to faith and life in Christ is knowing we are truly messengers of good news to them. People are lost in sin. We have a message of redemption and reconciliation. What greater joy can there be than sharing that Good News?

The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Paul to write: Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God, and . . . the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the Temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the Temple of God is Holy (I Cor. 3:16-17).

Thought for Today:

Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (I Cor. 6:20).
Christ Portrayed:

By the priest who made atonement for the leper (Lev. 14:20). Our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (reconciliation) (Rom. 5:11).
Word Studies:

14:2 leper = name given to various types of skin diseases as well as the incurable form of leprosy; 14:8 tarry abroad =stay outside his tent; 14:32 whose hand is not able =who cannot afford; 14:37 lower than the wall =below the surface of the plaster; 15:2 running issue =discharge; 15:33 of her flowers =with her monthly period.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Evelyn Roberts • Government Official: Rep. Vern Ehlers (MI) • Country: United Arab Emirates (2 million) on the eastern Arabian Peninsula • Major languages: Arabic and Farsi • Pressure and hostility against Christians are increasing • 95% Muslim; 4% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and fast in secret so that only the Lord knows (Matt. 6:16-18).
Optional Reading: Mark 9

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:2-4

[Judy Harder]

February 7, 2010

Read Leviticus 16 -- 18

Highlights:

Day of Atonement; the scapegoat; the eating of blood forbidden; civil and religious laws; immorality forbidden.
Verses for Today:

Aaron . . . shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail: and he shall put the incense upon the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the Mercy Seat that is upon the Testimony, that he die not. . . . Then shall he kill the goat of the Sin Offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail . . . and sprinkle it upon the Mercy Seat. . . . And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel . . . putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away (Lev. 16:11-21).
On the annual Day of Atonement, the high priest, beginning with Aaron, was first required to present a young bull as a sacrifice for his own sins before he could proceed with the Sin Offering for the people. Then he offered incense on the Altar of Incense, morning and evening every day of the year, symbolizing praying to God without ceasing (I Thess. 5:17). He put the incense on live coals from the Altar of Burnt Offering. This signified that all acceptable prayer is based on the redeeming love of a forgiving God. God will, and does, answer prayer.
Only as we read the Word of God can we know how to pray and what to ask for — what pleases the Father. What a privilege — and a responsibility — we have to offer acceptable prayers to God day and night for those things which the Holy Spirit lays upon our hearts. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive (Matt. 21:22). We are able to pray to God and hear Him from His Word.

Two goats were necessary to express our Lord's twofold atonement. One goat was sacrificied upon the altar for a Sin Offering. This act prefigured Christ, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29; comp. II Cor. 5:21; I Pet. 18). The other was sent into the wilderness, a symbol that as far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us (Ps. 103:12).

We should also forgive and choose not to remember offenses against ourselves or others. Therefore, be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (Eph. 4:32).

Thought for Today:

And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart (Jer. 29:13).
Christ Revealed:

Through two goats used on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:. The slaying of the first goat typifies that our peace with God was restored by the blood of Christ (Rev. 5:9). The second goat represents the precious mercy of God in forever removing from His sight the sins of His people — as far as the east is from the west (Psa. 103:12). Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more (Heb. 10:17).
Word Studies:

16:29 afflict your souls =humble yourselves, practice self-denial; 17:4 cut off =excommunicated from family and the nation; 17:14 the blood of it is for the life thereof =its blood sustains its physical life; 18:6 uncover their nakedness =have sexual intercourse.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by a Family that loves Jesus • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Government Officials: Rep. Richard (Doc) Hastings (WA) and Sen. Herbert Kohl (WI) • Country: United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, & Wales) (59.4 million) off the coast of western Europe • Major languages: English and Welsh • Religious freedom • 55% Anglican; 16% Catholic; 6% Other Protestant; 2% Muslim; .9% Sikh; .8% Hindu; .6% Jewish; .2% Buddhist; 10.5% Other; 5% Unaffiliated • Prayer Suggestion: Do not worry about your material needs (Matt. 6:25-30).
Optional Reading: Mark 10

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:7-11

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 19 -- 21

Highlights:

Laws of holiness and justice for the people and priests; penalties for idolatry and immorality; laws regarding defilement of priests.
Verses for Today:

And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards . . . I will . . . cut him off from among his people. . . . If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman . . . they shall surely be put to death (Lev. 20:6,13).
If the people of God were to receive His blessings, they had to enforce the death penalty upon anyone who was convicted of worshiping false gods or associating with familiar spirits (through spirit-mediums), or anyone who participated in homosexuality or other sexual perversions.
Millions of people have rejected reading all of the Word of God; consequently, they are confused. And, in an effort to find the answers to their problems, some are turning to astrology, fortune-tellers, palm readers, and spirit mediums. But these counterfeit counselors can only deceive and have caused many people to be victimized. Only God knows what is best.

In addition, Christ foretold that the immorality which existed in Sodom during the time of Lot would become prominent just before His return (Luke 17:28-32; comp. II Pet. 2:6,9).

It is a serious offense against God to participate in these sins that God says are an abomination. It is equally serious to question the wisdom of God for imposing the death sentence as punishment for committing these sins.

Even today, some are deceived and assume they do not serve man-made gods (because they do not call them such). But "gods" are objects for which our hearts have an intense desire and preoccupation. When you know what takes primary place in a person's thoughts concerning material things and desires, what he looks forward to, and what or whom he is willing to sacrifice for above all others, then you know what or who his god is. A person's real god is who or what he finds the most satisfaction in thinking and talking about. Some have replaced worshiping the Lord with personal pleasures on the Lord's day. The importance of worshiping the One True God must be above all.

As Christians we must set the example and abstain from any conduct that may influence others to be less than their best for Christ. Sanctify yourselves thereof, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God (Lev. 20:7). So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Rom. 14:12).

Thought for Today:

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart (Jer. 15:16).
Christ Revealed:

As the source of true guidance, in contrast to evil guidance (Lev. 20:6-8). Jesus, who is The Truth (John 14:6) also sent us the Spirit of Truth who guides us into all truth (16:13).
Word Studies:

19:3 fear =reverentially regard; 19:4 molten =cast metal; 19:26 enchantment =fortune-telling or witchcraft; observe times =astrology; 19:28 print any marks upon you =tattoo yourself or cut yourself as the pagans do; 19:31 them that have familiar spirits =mediums, fortune-tellers; wizards = form of witchcraft of those who profess to communicate with the dead.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Rodney and Colleen Heikkila • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Rep. Gus Bilirakas (FL) • Country: United States (270 million) in North America • Major languages: English and Spanish • Religious freedom • 55% Protestant; 28% Catholic; 1% Orthodox; 2% Mormon; 2% Jewish; 1% Muslim; 11% Other/None • Prayer Suggestion: Trust that God will provide your needs when you put His will first in your life (Matt. 6:31-33).
Optional Reading: Mark 11

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:7-11