Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, February 9, 2010   
 
Read Leviticus 22 -- 23

Highlights:

Death penalty for defiled priests who eat holy things; seven sacrifices (festivals) must be perfect since all are types of Christ; Sabbath was a sacred day of rest; Passover was a reminder of how and why they were delivered from slavery.
Verses for Today:

The fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord's Passover. . . . the fifteenth day . . . is the Feast of Unleavened Bread unto the Lord (Lev. 23:5-6).
The Feast of Unleavened Bread began the day following Passover, and it lasted seven days. During that time, only unleavened bread was eaten (Ex. 34:18). It represented the sinless nature of Christ. Then Jesus said . . . My Father giveth you the True Bread from heaven. For the Bread of God is He which (who) cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world (John 6:32-33). Israel's abstinence from leaven (Ex. 23:18; Lev. 2:11; 10:12; 34:25) for seven days reminded them to be a holy people separated from the corruption and uncleanness of the world. Christians are warned against the leaven of malice and wickedness . . . (in contrast) with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (I Cor. 5:6-8; Gal. 5:9; I Pet. 2:1).
It took seven weeks to harvest all the crops, beginning with the spring barley. The harvest of grapes came in June/July and the olives in August/September. Wheat was the final summer harvest. The Feast of Firstfruits in the spring indicated faith in the coming harvests, the Feast of Weeks, also known as Feast of Harvest, expressed thankfulness for completing all of the harvests (Ex. 23:16). The Feast of Harvest was also called Pentecost, from the Greek word "pentékonta" meaning 㦞." This feast took place 50 days after the one-sheaf offering of the Feast of Firstfruits (Lev. 23:15-16). It was the second time of the year that all Israelite males were to appear before the Lord (Ex. 23:14-17).

In contrast to the unleavened bread required for Passover (symbolic of Christ) were the two wave loaves that were to be baked with leaven for the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) (Lev. 23:17). Leaven, symbolic of our sin nature, was required in the two wave loaves because they represented both Jewish and Gentile believers who would later make up the Church.

Purge out . . . the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (I Cor. 5:7-8).

Thought for Today:

Do not My words do good to him that walketh uprightly? (Mic. 2:7).
Christ Revealed:

Leviticus 23 — in the seven great feasts of the Lord: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Firstfruits, Feast of Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) — all of which typified Jesus Christ. Christ our Passover (I Cor. 5:7); Bread of Life (John 6:35); Christ . . . the Firstfruits of them that slept (died) (I Cor. 15:20).
Word Studies:

22:19 beeves =beef cattle; 22:23 superfluous =deformed; 22:27 dam =mother; 23:2 holy convocations =sacred assemblies; 23:7 ye shall do no servile work =you shall not work at your occupations.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. Walter W. Swanson & Grace S. Pfister • Staff: Bernice Rathbone (retired) • Government Officials: Rep. Jay Inslee (WA) and Sen. James Webb, Jr. (VA) • Country: Uruguay (3 million) on the southeastern coast of South America • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 60% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 2% Jewish; .7% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Thank the Lord that you have no need to fear. Trust Him one day at a time (Matt. 6:33-34).
Optional Reading: Mark 12

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

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 24 -- 25

Highlights:

The Tabernacle, olive oil Candlestick, Shewbread; penalty for blasphemy; Sabbath Year; Year of Jubilee; laws concerning the poor and redemption of property.
Verses for Today:

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually. . . . And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof. . . . And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure Table before the Lord. . . . Every Sabbath he (Aaron, the high priest) shall set it in order before the Lord continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant (Lev. 24:1-2,5-8).
The term Shewbread (Ex. 25:30) literally means "bread of the face." The loaves of bread were put in the "presence of God," signifying that He and His Word sustained their very lives. As the priests ate the holy bread, they confirmed Israel's dependence upon Him. The 12 loaves contained no leaven (symbolic of sin). They were made of fine flour — these loaves represented Christ, the perfect One, holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners (Heb. 7:26).
Pure frankincense was put on each of the two rows of bread. The frankincense was symbolic of prayer. This revealed how closely the bread and the altar of incense were united. The incense on the bread signified the importance of prayer in making the bread acceptable for the priests. The 12 identical loaves were a reminder that the Lord was the Satisfier and Sustainer of all 12 tribes. The loaves also pictured Christ, who would endure the fierce oven of affliction and crucifixion to come forth as the Bread of Life. Jesus declared: He that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst (John 6:35). For the Bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world (6:33).

Just as the priests ate the shewbread, we are to partake of spiritual food by reading the Word of God, but it must be accompanied by prayer. Through prayer and the Word, the Holy Spirit gives us strength which we could not otherwise have. The power of the Word, released by believing prayer, transforms our lives to be like the image of the Son of God.

As the light of the Golden Candlestick shone upon the sacred Shewbread, it typified Christ. As we read His Word, the indwelling Holy Spirit provides His Light from His Word revealing the moral and spiritual truths of life.

Thought for Today:

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
Christ Portrayed:

By the kinsman-redeemer (Lev. 25:47-55). Christ is our Savior and Redeemer (Is. 60:16) who made us His kinsmen: The Spirit Itself (Himself) beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (Rom. 8:16).
Word Studies:

24:4 order the lamps =see that they are continually supplied with oil and kept in trim; 24:19 blemish =injury; 25:35,39 be waxen poor =has become impoverished; 25:36 usury =interest on loans; 25:39 bondservant =slave; 25:43 rigour =harshness, severity.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Staff: Dan Murton • Government Official: Rep. Walter Jones, Jr. (NC) • Country: Uzbekistan (24.4 million) central Asia • Major languages: Uzbek and Russian • Limited religious freedom due to Islamic influence • 68.2% Muslim (largely Sunni); 4.4% Russian Orthodox; .2% Roman Catholic; .2% Protestant; .5% Jewish; .5% Other; .2% Baha'i; .3% Buddhist; 25.5% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask, seek, and knock through prayer, knowing God promises to answer (Matt. 7:7-8).
Optional Reading: Mark 13

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

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 26 -- 27

Highlights:

Blessings for obedience; judgment for disobedience; redeeming persons and property; tithes shall be holy to the Lord.
Verses for Today:

Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image . . . to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God. Ye shall keep My Sabbaths, and reverence My Sanctuary: I am the Lord. . . . keep My Commandments. . . . But if ye will not hearken unto (listen to and obey) Me, and . . . do all these Commandments. . . . I will set My face against you . . . ye shall be slain before your enemies. . . . I will scatter you among the heathen (Gentiles) (Lev. 26:1-33).
The Israelites were commanded: Thou shalt have no other gods before Me (Ex. 20:1-17). This is the foundation for a right relationship with our Creator and for all true worship of Him.
Perhaps the most subtle, deceptive form of idolatry in our affluent society is covetousness of material things. For the Love of money (to purchase things) . . . which while some coveted after, they erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (I Tim. 6:10-11).

Paul counted it a privilege to give up all material things (assets he once held to be) . . . gain. . . . (but now) count them but dung (worthless rubbish), that I may win Christ, And be found in Him . . . and the fellowship of His sufferings (Phil. 3:7-10). Barnabas had land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:37). A spiritual principle is revealed in these men so greatly used of God. They followed the example of Jesus who did not seek worldly wealth: Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith? (James 2:5). Numerous blessings are recorded for obedience to the Word of God (Lev. 26:3-13) as well as clear warnings of judgment for disobedience to His Word (26:14-39). Leviticus was written to Israelites, but its basic truths apply to us today.

God foretold: Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah . . . I will put My Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 11:19-20).

The marvelous compassion and love of God is seen in His desire to forgive and restore sinners to Himself. If we (anyone) confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (without exception). . . . Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 1:9; 3:3).

Thought for Today:

The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul (Ps. 19:7).
Christ Revealed:

As the Tabernacle to be sent to dwell among us (Lev. 26:11). The Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt (tabernacled) among us (John 1:14; Rev. 21:3).
Word Studies:

26:6 neither shall the sword go =there will be no war; 26:10 store =food supply; 26:13 go upright =walk erect as free men; 26:15 abhor =disregard, reject; 26:25 avenge the quarrel =execute punishment.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Official: Rep. Tammy Baldwin (WI) • Country: Vanuatu (189,000) a group of 12 large islands southwest of the Solomon Islands in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: English and French • Religious freedom • 78% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord in times of trouble (Matt. 8:24-25).
Optional Reading: Mark 14

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

[Judy Harder]

Read Numbers 1 -- 2
Highlights:

First military census of the Israelites; encampment location of each tribe in relation to the Tabernacle.
Verse for Today:

The Lord spake unto Moses . . . Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel. . . . As the Lord commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai (Num. 1:1-2,19).
About 70 times in the Book of Numbers, we read: The Lord said or the Lord spake unto Moses. These were the words of our Heavenly Father speaking to His children. The desire of God was to have a people that would love, obey, and follow Him without compromise. He, in turn, would be their God, lead them into the promised land, provide their needs, and protect them. While the Israelites remained at Mount Sinai, it was twice said of them: And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses (1:54; 2:34).
As long as the Israelites were neither accomplishing anything for the Lord nor going anywhere, but were just talking about it, they were satisfied.

However, just days after they departed from the mount of the Lord . . . . the people complained. . . . Who shall give us flesh (meat) to eat? We remember the fish . . . the cucumbers, and the melons . . . and the onions . . . But now . . . there is nothing at all, beside this manna (10:33; 11:1,4-6). Rather than see their difficulties as an opportunity to thank God for providing their needs, they chose to be dissatisfied.

In much the same way, we are also on a journey through life. Just think, you're here not by chance, but by God's choosing. His hand formed you and made you the person you are. He compares you to no one else. You are one of a kind. You lack nothing that His grace can't give you. He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation.

You too are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people (special, purchased people); that ye should shew forth the praises (be entrusted with the proclamation of eterna life) of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light: Which in times past were not a people, but are now the people of God (I Pet. 2:9-10).

We all can avoid wasted years as we faithfully read the Bible with an unreserved desire to know and then do His will. You possess all the talents that God expects you to use. His Word enables us to be all that He would have us be and to do all that He would have us do.

Thought for Today:

It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the Law to fail (Luke 16:17).
Christ Portrayed:

By Moses as he led the people (Num. 1:54). Jesus said: I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep. . . . My sheep hear My voice . . . and they follow Me (John 10:14,27).
Word Studies:

1:2 Take ye the sum =take a census; by their polls =by head count; 1:16 renowned =chosen national representatives; 1:17 expressed =designated; 1:18 pedigrees =ancestry; 2:2 ensign =ribal banner.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Official: Sen. Arlen Specter (PA) • Country: Vatican City (900) in Rome, Italy • Major languages: Italian and Latin • Religious freedom • Approximately 100% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray the Lord of the harvest to send workers to harvest for Him (Matt. 9:38).
Optional Reading: Mark 15

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

[Judy Harder]

Read Numbers 3 -- 4

Highlights:

Census and duties of the Levites, the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites; the redemption of the firstborn.
Verses for Today:

Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord, when they offered strange (unlawful) fire before the Lord, in the wilderness of Sinai (Num. 3:4).
Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's two oldest sons, had been greatly honored by being included with Moses and Aaron and 70 elders to go up Mount Sinai at the Lord's command (Ex. 24:1,9). They had been given national recognition and God-ordained spiritual leadership. But, all this did not protect them from the consequences of their disobedience. They presumed to burn incense, symbolic of the prayers of the people, with unauthorized fire, that is, fire not kindled by God on the Brasen Altar (Lev. 9:23-24; 10:1-2).
God cannot overlook disobedience to His Word whether one is a popular "spiritual" leader or just an "ordinary" Christian. Even to become a Christian, if there is no intent to submit one's life to please the Lord, it would be hypocrisy.

A true Christian will seek . . . first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). As children of God, it is of utmost importance that our loyalty to Christ and His Word should be our first consideration. All else is of less importance, such as employment, hobbies, sports, friends, etc. We must desire to have Christ as Lord (Ruler) over our lives. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled (Col. 1:21).

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering . . . Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the Truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful (terrifying) looking for of judgment. . . . He that despised (rejected) Moses' Law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer (more severe) punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant (agreement), wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto (insulted) the Spirit of grace? (Heb. 10:23,25-29).

Thought for Today:

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law (Rom. 13:10).
Christ Portrayed:

By Aaron, the high priest, who was served by the Levites (Numbers 3:6). As a holy and royal priesthood, we serve Christ, our great High Priest (John 12:26; I Pet. 2:5,9; Heb. 4:14).
Word Studies:

3:10 wait on =care for; 3:12 matrix =womb; 4:3 all that enter into the host =those who qualify to enter the service; 4:6 staves =carrying poles; 4:10 bar =carrying frame; 4:24 burdens =to carry when moving.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Government Official: Gov. Anibal Acevedo-Vila (PR) • Country: Venezuela (23 million) on the northern coast of South America • Major languages: Spanish and Indian dialects • Religious freedom • 94% Roman Catholic; 1% Protestant; 1% Indian pagan religions • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for the Lord to give you the right words to share Christ with others (Matt. 10:18-20).
Optional Reading: Mark 16

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

[Judy Harder]

Sunday, February 14, 2010 

Read Numbers 5 -- 6

Highlights:

Laws concerning cleansing, confession and restitution, jealousy; the Nazarite vow.
Verses for Today:

When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the Lord: He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink . . . neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, or dried. . . . there shall no razor come upon his head. . . . he shall come at (touch) no dead body. . . . All the days of his separation he is holy (consecrated) unto the Lord (Num. 6:2-8).
The Nazarite vow was a commitment made by the few who desired to go beyond what was required and be wholly committed to God. It committed an individual to a life set apart to God for a specific period of time or even for life.
The Nazarite's separation to God was expressed by abstaining from the fruit of the vine, grape juice, fresh grapes, or raisins, representing the best of physical satisfaction; and all impurities including touching a dead body, representative of spiritual deadness (6:3-8). However, the Nazarite still offered the usual sacrifices, such as the Sin Offering. This points out that even in doing our very best to separate ourselves from the world we still fall far short of being free from all spiritual defilement.

Only two people in the Old Testament are recorded as lifelong Nazarites. One was Samson (Judg. 13:7) who failed in his separation from the world and, consequently, did not fulfill his opportunities to lead the Israelites to victory over the Philistines. In contrast, Samuel's dedication to the Lord (I Sam. 1:28) led him to free the nation from Philistine domination and unite the 12 tribes in preparation for a united kingdom. Although the Nazarite vow no longer applies, our personal consecration and dedication is vital to our fulfilling the will of God.

The disciple, like the Nazarite, who will go beyond what he thinks is necessary to "just be a Christian," will gladly release his hold on all he possesses to please the Father.

The Apostle Paul was led to write: I beseech (beg) you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present (offer) your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rom. 12:1-2).

Thought for Today:

This is the love of God, that we keep His Commandments (I John 5:3).
Christ Revealed:

Nazarite is the transliteration of a Hebrew term meaning "dedication by separation" (Num. 6:1-8). Jesus dedicated Himself to do only the will of His Father even unto death: Thy will be done (Matt. 26:39,42).
Word Studies:

5:7 recompense =make restitution; 5:13 neither . . . be taken with the manner =not caught in the act; 6:3 moist =fresh; 6:4 vine tree =grapevine; 6:6 come at =go near.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Government Officials: Rep. Gresham Barrett (SC), Sen. Judd Gregg (NH), and Rep. Richard Neal (MA) • Country: Vietnam (78.5 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Vietnamese and French • Very strict control of Christians in the North; the South has been more lenient but is getting tighter • 60% Buddhist; 8% Catholic; 1% Protestant; 3% Cao Dai; 2% Hoa Hao; 3% Islam; 13% Other; 10% None • Prayer Suggestion: Unite with others in prayer; God will bring your request to pass (Matt. 18:19-20).
Optional Reading: Luke 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:12

[Judy Harder]

February 15, 2010   
 
Read Numbers 7

Highlights:

The princes' gifts and sacrifices offered for the dedication of the Tabernacle. The voice of one speaking to Moses from the Mercy Seat.
Verses for Today:

The princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers . . . brought their offering before the Lord, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the Tabernacle. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take it of them, that they may be to do the service (used in the work) of the Tabernacle of the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites (Num. 7:2-5).
The princes of the tribes could not participate in the duties of the Tabernacle; but through their offerings, they were able to assist the Levites in their God-appointed responsibilities. Although these leaders could not hold the positions of the Levites, they willingly brought generous, sacrificial gifts to supply the needs of the Levites.
Although all the gifts were identical, each prince was recognized for his gift. From this we learn that every gift and act of service to our Lord is faithfully remembered.

The Tabernacle illustrates the loving concern of God to communicate and to fellowship with His people and to direct them through life.

These gifts were divided among the Levites to every man according to his service (7:5). The family of the Gershonites received two wagons and four oxen for their duties (comp. 4:25-26; 7:7). The Merarites, who had much heavier burdens to bear (4:31-32; 7:, received four wagons and eight oxen. Unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the Sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders the Candlestick of Pure Gold, Table of Shewbread, Altar of Incense, Brass Laver, Brasen Altar, and Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Lord's Covenant (7:9; also 3:29-31; 4:1-15). These were all symbolic of Jesus Christ.

As by faith a Christian gives to the Lord's work, both his desire to give and his ability to give increase. Your gift to missions can lift burdens, provide happiness, and answer prayers.

God has said: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete (measure) withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38).

Thought for Today:

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33).
Christ Revealed:

Through the voluntary offerings of the leaders which were sufficient to meet the needs (Num. 7). Jesus gave His life to meet our very need. My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Word Studies:

7:13 charger =large dish; 7:21 bullock =young bull; 7:44 spoon =bowl.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy • Staff: Ilene Wallace • Country: Yemen (17 million) in southwestern Arabia • Major language: Arabic • Attempts to convert Muslims to Christ are fiercely opposed • 98% Muslim; .03% Christian (all secret believers) • Prayer Suggestion: Remember, what is impossible with men is possible with God (Matt. 19:26).
Optional Reading: Luke 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:12

[Judy Harder]

February 16, 2010 

Read Numbers 8 -- 9

Highlights:

Cleansing of the Levites; the second Passover; the Lord's guiding by the cloud and the fire over the Tabernacle.
Verses for Today:

The Lord spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year . . . Let the children of Israel also keep the Passover. . . . In the fourteenth day of this month, at even (evening), ye shall keep it in his appointed season . . . according to all the ceremonies . . . shall ye keep it (Num. 9:1-3).
After they observed the first Passover, the Israelites were freed from Egypt and the cruel slavery of Pharaoh. The Israelites were now free to follow the leadership of the One True God through His chosen leader Moses.
Thus the Passover Feast and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were symbolic of Jesus, our true Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Christ was also the true Bread from Heaven (6:32). On that eventful night, the blood was placed on the doorpost of every home, symbolic of the blood of Jesus Christ His Son (which) cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7). Inside the home on that night the Israelites were also required to roast and then eat that same lamb. They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it (Num. 9:12). Christ is our Passover Lamb and no bone was broken at His crucifixion (John 19:36; see Ex. 12:46; Ps. 34:20). The Feast of Unleavened Bread also foreshadowed Christ as the Bread of Life.

Today the Christian observance of the Lord's Supper is an acknowledgment of our sins forgiven and His Word becoming our Way of Life. Jesus said: Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:54). As we accept his Word as our way of life, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us (I Cor. 5:7). Paul bears witness to Jesus' words that . . . the same night in which He was betrayed (He) took bread: And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My Body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. And the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me (I Cor. 11:23-25).

God has provided a reliable threefold Guide to give us direction throughout life — His perfect Word, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the power of prayer.

Thought for Today:

It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13).
Christ Revealed:

The Passover serves as a beautiful illustration of the redemption Christ accomplished at Calvary as the Lamb of God (Numbers 9:2; compare John 1:29; I Corinthians 5:7).
Word Studies:

8:2 over against =in front of; 8:11 execute =perform; 8:18 for =instead of; 8:26 keep the charge =assist in the duties; 9:13 forbeareth =neglects.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Country: Zaire, Democratic Republic of the Congo (63 million) in south-central Africa • Major languages: French and Lingala • Limited religious freedom • 42% Roman Catholic; 28% Protestant; 12% magical practices, ancestor worship, and witchcraft; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray with great faith and the Lord will answer (Matt.. 21:22).
Optional Reading: Luke 3

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:12

[Judy Harder]

Read Numbers 10 -- 11

Highlights:

Two silver trumpets; the Israelites leave Sinai; the people complain; 70 elders chosen; the Lord sends a plague.
Verse for Today:

Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps (Num. 10:2).
The trumpets were long, straight tubes of silver with bell-shaped mouths, fashioned from one whole piece of silver. Regardless of how far away one was from the Tabernacle, the clear tones of the silver trumpets communicated various messages: They shall blow an alarm for their journeys. But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm. . . . And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the Lord your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies. Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn (appointed) days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your Burnt Offerings, and over the sacrifices of your Peace Offerings (10:6-10; also Lev. 23:24; II Chr. 5:12-14; 7:6; 29:26-29; Ezra 3:10; Neh. 12:35,41). Whether they worshiped, went to war, or journeyed, every move was guided by the various sounds of trumpets.
But when the people complained, it displeased the Lord (Num. 11:1). They failed to see that every difficulty was a time to trust God to supply their every need (Phil. 4:19). Thankfulness and praise should have been their reaction; but instead, they complained that manna was nothing at all compared to the leeks, and the onions of Egypt (Num. 11:5-6).

They soon forgat His works; they waited not for His counsel: but lusted exceedingly (Ps. 106:13-14).

The two silver trumpets represent the truth of the Word of God and remind us that both the Old and the New Testaments are each a part of the whole Word of God.

If we are accustomed to hearing the true silver trumpet, His voice through His Word, the Spirit of truth . . . will guide you into all truth (John 16:13) and will keep us from missing the will of God.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable . . . That the man (person) of God may be . . . (thoroughly), furnished unto all good works (II Tim. 3:16-17).

Thought for Today:

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content (I Tim. 6:.
Christ Revealed:

The two trumpets were made of silver (Num. 10:2). Silver in the Bible stands for truth. Christ is The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6).
Word Studies:

10:10 solemn days =ppointed feasts, fasts, and Sabbaths; 10:21 against they came =efore their arrival; 11:6 our soul is dried away =issatisfied and discouraged.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Dr. John A. Hash • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Officials: Rep. Randy Forbes (VA) and Rep. Jim Jordan (OH) • Country: Zambia (10 million) in south-central Africa • Major languages: English and 70 indigenous languages • Religious freedom • 30% Roman Catholic; 25% Protestant; 24% ancestor worship, magic, and witchcraft; 19% cults • Prayer Suggestion: Continually watch and pray so that you won't yield to temptation in a moment of weakness (Matt. 26:41).
Optional Reading: Luke 4

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:12

[Judy Harder]

February 18, 2010 

Read Numbers 12 -- 13

Highlights:

Miriam and Aaron criticize Moses; Miriam stricken with leprosy; Moses prays; 12 men spy out Canaan; their report.
Verses for Today:

Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian (Cushite) woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath He not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it. (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) (Num. 12:1-3).
Miriam was the sister of Moses and of Aaron the high priest. She was honored above all women of Israel, had a prophetic anointing, and was gifted in music and singing (Ex. 15:20; Mic. 6:4). Suddenly, the Lord demanded to meet with Miriam, Aaron, and Moses. Miriam may have been delighted, thinking that God was just as displeased with Moses as she was, and would agree with her criticism. Undoubtedly, she experienced an overwhelming shock when God said to her: With him will I speak mouth to mouth . . . wherefore (why) then were ye not afraid to speak against My servant Moses? And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them. . . . and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned (12:8-11).
Covetousness and pride are never satisfied. Even the possession of spiritual gifts can lead to pride which, in turn, can lead to jealousy if others with similar spiritual gifts appear to be competitors. When someone we have known as less qualified is promoted or given recognition above us in our office, we may be tempted to fall into Miriam's sin of criticizing. Pride reveals itself in many forms. It may be based on physical beauty, wealth, education, or talents; but pride is a self-destructive and self-deceptive sin. All of us need to realize the importance of Jesus' Words: Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5).

Miriam succeeded, as many others have, in making it appear that her concern came from a "spiritual" motive. But God saw through her jealousy, envy, pride, and hurt feelings. It was the God-ordained leadership of Moses, not his choice of a wife or what he was teaching, that was being questioned. God has clearly declared: Touch not Mine anointed, and do My prophets no harm (I Chr. 16:22; Ps. 105:15).

Thought for Today:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God (II Tim. 2:15).
Christ Portrayed:

By Moses, who was very meek (humble), above all the men which were upon the face of the earth (Num. 12:3). Jesus said: I am meek (gentle, mild) and lowly in heart (Matt. 11:29).
Word Studies:

12:8 dark speeches =difficult-to-understand proverbs; similitude =visible form, which does not imply likeness; 13:20 fat or lean =fertile or barren.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Dorothy Chirnock • Staff: Dr. Al Joslyn • Government Official: Rep. Eliot Engel (NY) • Country: Zimbabwe (11.2 million) in south-central Africa • Major languages: English and Shona • Limited religious freedom • 59% Christian; 35% Traditional; 2% Muslim; 4% Other/non-Religious (Hindu, Buddhist, Baha'i, Jewish) • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in faith and the Lord will answer (Mark 11:24).
Optional Reading: Luke 5

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:12