Isaiah 39

Isaiah 39  

SATURDAY  Reflections

How smart would it be to show a potential thief everything you have? Dumb, to say the least. In ancient times and even today, political visitors are as likely to spy as they are to bring messages. Hezekiah though showed them everything. He showed them the riches, his defenses, everything but the plan Babylon could use to conquer Judah.

Yet the thing that disturbs me his pleasure that destruction wasn't going to happen in his time. Good leaders should be not just concerned about what is happening now but what can and will happen when they leave. In the book, Good to Great, Jim Collins makes the case that great leaders are concerned not just about the company now but what will happen when they leave. Even Jesus, the greatest leader, spent most of his time preparing the apostles for the time when he was gone. 

The question we need to ask is, "Are we preparing our ministry (business, family, etc.) for when we are no longer there? Or are we making things worse for those who come after us?" If we aren't making things better than we are failing. 

Isa 39:1-8
(1)  At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.
(2)  And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.
(3)  Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon.
(4)  Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.
(5)  Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:
(6)  Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.
(7)  And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
(8)  Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days.

Photo by Jan Antonin Kolar on Unsplash

Job 34

Looking in the mirror

Job 34  

FRIDAY  Reflections

The core of Elihu's problem with Job's logic is Elihu understands Job is saying that serving God doesn't profit a person anything (verse 9). Elihu knows God is just and righteous so he sees Job's complaints as an accusation against God's righteousness. He, in verses 31-37, advises Job to ask God to show him where he has done wrong rather than insist on his own righteousness. Elihu's view is Job must not know what he is talking about.

We know by God's own testimony Job is righteous and hasn't sinned, except perhaps now by doubting God during this trial. Elihu doesn't know this and is answering just from what he has seen. What he sees is a man accusing God of being unfair. Elihu sees a man who hasn't asked God, "Have I sinned?"

Outside of the poetry and back and forth between Job and those around him, there is one question we all need to ask when things go wrong. We need to ask and be willing to hear the answer is, "God, is this my fault?" Often, though we may not want to admit it, it is. If it is, then we need to repent and try to make it right. 

Job 34:1-37
(1)  Furthermore Elihu answered and said,
(2)  Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.
(3)  For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.
(4)  Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.
(5)  For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.
(6)  Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression.
(7)  What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?
(8)  Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.
(9)  For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.
(10)  Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
(11)  For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.
(12)  Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
(13)  Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?
(14)  If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;
(15)  All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.
(16)  If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.
(17)  Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?
(18)  Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?
(19)  How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.
(20)  In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.
(21)  For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
(22)  There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
(23)  For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God.
(24)  He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.
(25)  Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.
(26)  He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;
(27)  Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:
(28)  So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.
(29)  When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:
(30)  That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.
(31)  Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:
(32)  That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.
(33)  Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.
(34)  Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.
(35)  Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom.
(36)  My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men.
(37)  For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.

Photo by Fares Hamouche on Unsplash

Acts 14

Paul caught up to heaven!?

Acts 14

THURSDAY  Reflections

Oh, how fickle people can be! When the apostles come to Lystra, God does a miracle and Paul has to convince the people not to worship him and Barnabas as gods. A little while later the Jews came and convinced the people of Lystra to stone Paul and leave him for dead.

Many scholars believe when Paul talks about someone he knows who went into the presence of God in 2 Corinthians 12, he was talking about himself. This may have happened when Paul was left for dead (Acts 14). Personally, I lean toward this hypothesis, though we will never know this side of heaven.

We do see here is though the Jews thought they had got rid of Paul, God wasn’t done with him. It seems a reminder that God’s plan can’t be sidetracked by the plans of man, even if those plans include killing someone.  

Act 14:1-28
(1)  And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
(2)  But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
(3)  Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
(4)  But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
(5)  And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,
(6)  They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
(7)  And there they preached the gospel.
(8)  And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
(9)  The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
(10)  Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
(11)  And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
(12)  And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
(13)  Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
(14)  Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
(15)  And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
(16)  Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
(17)  Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
(18)  And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
(19)  And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
(20)  Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
(21)  And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
(22)  Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
(23)  And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
(24)  And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
(25)  And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:
(26)  And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
(27)  And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
(28)  And there they abode long time with the disciples.

Psalm 31

Words from the Cross in Psalms

Psalm 31  

WEDNESDAY  Reflections

On the cross Jesus prayed, “into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). This sounds like a final cry of trust in God and it is, but it is also something more. These words harken back to Psalm 31.

In Psalm 31, we read the words of the psalmist yet they could have just as easily been the words of Jesus. The psalmist speaks of trusting in God and yet enemies come at him, friends flee, he is broken in body, and is counted as dead. In the middle of these words are the same words Jesus spoke on the cross, “into your hands I commit my spirit”(verse 5). Once again we are reminded Jesus' work on the cross isn’t God’s second plan. We also see that Jesus walked in the same broken world we do. Jesus faced the worst man had to offer, just as we do, and through it all He trusted God.

At the end of the chapter, the psalmist declares God will strengthen our hearts. This reminds me of when angels came and ministered to Jesus in the garden before the crucifixion. It also reminds me God will help us as we face life’s struggles.

Psa 31:1-24
(1)  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
(2)  Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
(3)  For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
(4)  Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
(5)  Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
(6)  I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.
(7)  I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
(8)  And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.
(9)  Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
(10)  For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.
(11)  I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.
(12)  I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.
(13)  For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
(14)  But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.
(15)  My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
(16)  Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake.
(17)  Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
(18)  Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
(19)  Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
(20)  Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
(21)  Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
(22)  For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
(23)  O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
(24)  Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Exodus 30

Exodus 30  

TUESDAY  Reflections

In this chapter we see the command to build the altar of incense and the brazen laver. The altar of incense is a symbol of prayer (Psalm 141:2, Luke 1:10). The laver for us is the symbolism of baptism and of God cleansing us. These are great pictures. For me, I really like the image of the coals from the brazen altar giving the heat to burn incense. It is a picture of Christ’s sacrifice as the foundation of our prayer and praise.

 

However, what really stands out in this chapter is verse 29, “You shall consecrate them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy.” As we will read, when something unholy/unclean touches something holy/clean it is the clean thing that is made unclean. These are the only things that do the reverse. This makes sense when we consider that these implements represent Jesus. For what Jesus touched he made clean. A great example of this is when Jesus touched lepers and healed them. Whoever else touched a leper became unclean but what Jesus touches he makes clean. This is carried forward into the book of Acts where God tells Peter what God has made clean don’t call unclean as a picture of the Gentiles who would come to faith in Jesus. 

Exo 30:1-38
(1)  And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it.
(2)  A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of the same.
(3)  And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
(4)  And two golden rings shalt thou make to it under the crown of it, by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it shalt thou make it; and they shall be for places for the staves to bear it withal.
(5)  And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.
(6)  And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee.
(7)  And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.
(8)  And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.
(9)  Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.
(10)  And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD.
(11)  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
(12)  When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them.
(13)  This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.
(14)  Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD.
(15)  The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
(16)  And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
(17)  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
(18)  Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.
(19)  For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:
(20)  When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD:
(21)  So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.
(22)  Moreover the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
(23)  Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
(24)  And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin:
(25)  And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.
(26)  And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony,
(27)  And the table and all his vessels, and the candlestick and his vessels, and the altar of incense,
(28)  And the altar of burnt offering with all his vessels, and the laver and his foot.
(29)  And thou shalt sanctify them, that they may be most holy: whatsoever toucheth them shall be holy.
(30)  And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.
(31)  And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This shall be an holy anointing oil unto me throughout your generations.
(32)  Upon man's flesh shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make any other like it, after the composition of it: it is holy, and it shall be holy unto you.
(33)  Whosoever compoundeth any like it, or whosoever putteth any of it upon a stranger, shall even be cut off from his people.
(34)  And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:
(35)  And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy:
(36)  And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy.
(37)  And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD.
(38)  Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.

Exodus 29

Exodus 29

MONDAY  Reflections

Aaron and his sons were sanctified (set apart) by a special sacrifice before they were to minister to God. The interesting part of the whole ritual to me was placing the blood on the right ear, right thumb, and right great toe. Once I did some research I saw what you probably already did.

First, this was done on the right side because the right side was considered the side of dominance and blessing. This is actually true for most people because the majority of people are right-handed. This is a reminder that God was to get the best and strongest, not what is left or weak.

The second was where the blood was placed. On the ear, a reminder to keep their ears open for the command of God. On the thumb, as a reminder never to take what was not sanctified and holy to God. On the great toe, as a reminder to walk in the way of holiness.

I am reminded of the children’s song, “Be careful little ears what you hear.” In it a child and we are reminded God is watching over and sees all we do, so we need to be careful to do what is right. 

Exo 29:1-46
(1)  And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,
(2)  And unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: of wheaten flour shalt thou make them.
(3)  And thou shalt put them into one basket, and bring them in the basket, with the bullock and the two rams.
(4)  And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.
(5)  And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:
(6)  And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.
(7)  Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.
(8)  And thou shalt bring his sons, and put coats upon them.
(9)  And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.
(10)  And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock.
(11)  And thou shalt kill the bullock before the LORD, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
(12)  And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.
(13)  And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
(14)  But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it is a sin offering.
(15)  Thou shalt also take one ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.
(16)  And thou shalt slay the ram, and thou shalt take his blood, and sprinkle it round about upon the altar.
(17)  And thou shalt cut the ram in pieces, and wash the inwards of him, and his legs, and put them unto his pieces, and unto his head.
(18)  And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
(19)  And thou shalt take the other ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.
(20)  Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and upon the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.
(21)  And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.
(22)  Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and the right shoulder; for it is a ram of consecration:
(23)  And one loaf of bread, and one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer out of the basket of the unleavened bread that is before the LORD:
(24)  And thou shalt put all in the hands of Aaron, and in the hands of his sons; and shalt wave them for a wave offering before the LORD.
(25)  And thou shalt receive them of their hands, and burn them upon the altar for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour before the LORD: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
(26)  And thou shalt take the breast of the ram of Aaron's consecration, and wave it for a wave offering before the LORD: and it shall be thy part.
(27)  And thou shalt sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the heave offering, which is waved, and which is heaved up, of the ram of the consecration, even of that which is for Aaron, and of that which is for his sons:
(28)  And it shall be Aaron's and his sons' by a statute for ever from the children of Israel: for it is an heave offering: and it shall be an heave offering from the children of Israel of the sacrifice of their peace offerings, even their heave offering unto the LORD.
(29)  And the holy garments of Aaron shall be his sons' after him, to be anointed therein, and to be consecrated in them.
(30)  And that son that is priest in his stead shall put them on seven days, when he cometh into the tabernacle of the congregation to minister in the holy place.
(31)  And thou shalt take the ram of the consecration, and seethe his flesh in the holy place.
(32)  And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
(33)  And they shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy.
(34)  And if ought of the flesh of the consecrations, or of the bread, remain unto the morning, then thou shalt burn the remainder with fire: it shall not be eaten, because it is holy.
(35)  And thus shalt thou do unto Aaron, and to his sons, according to all things which I have commanded thee: seven days shalt thou consecrate them.
(36)  And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.
(37)  Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.
(38)  Now this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually.
(39)  The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even:
(40)  And with the one lamb a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil; and the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink offering.
(41)  And the other lamb thou shalt offer at even, and shalt do thereto according to the meat offering of the morning, and according to the drink offering thereof, for a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
(42)  This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.
(43)  And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory.
(44)  And I will sanctify the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar: I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons, to minister to me in the priest's office.
(45)  And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.
(46)  And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the LORD their God.

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Isaiah 38

Isaiah 38  

SATURDAY  Reflections

 

In Romans 8:28, Paul says God will cause all things to work together for good, for those who love Him and are called by Him. Notice Paul did not say everything was good. It isn’t. Some things in life are terrible, or to use a highly spiritual term, “they stink.” OK, maybe it isn’t a spiritual term, but it’s true. The key in this scripture is that God works all of our life, the good, the bad, and even the boring together for good.

 

Our problem is that we focus on one piece of the puzzle while God works on bringing the whole together. We want God to do something great, but we want Him to use only the ingredients, which we think are good. We don’t want bad things to happen, especially death.

 

This brings us to this chapter (and in 2 Kings 20) where Isaiah comes to Hezekiah and tells him the sickness he has is going to kill him. Hezekiah cries to God, then God restores him, and giving him 15 more years.

 

Great! right? No.

 

In 2 Kings 21, Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh, takes the throne and ruled for 55 years doing the worst possible things, even sacrificing his own children. So what does Hezekiah’s miracle of living 15 more years have to do with Manasseh? Manasseh was 12 years old when he became king. It could be argued that the nation would have been better if Hezekiah had just died. Harsh? Yes, but true.

 

God will work all things together for the good of those who love Him, but we need to understand not everything feels good right now. 

Isa 38:1-22
(1)  In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.
(2)  Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD,
(3)  And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
(4)  Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying,
(5)  Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.
(6)  And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city.
(7)  And this shall be a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken;
(8)  Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.
(9)  The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness:
(10)  I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave: I am deprived of the residue of my years.
(11)  I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.
(12)  Mine age is departed, and is removed from me as a shepherd's tent: I have cut off like a weaver my life: he will cut me off with pining sickness: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.
(13)  I reckoned till morning, that, as a lion, so will he break all my bones: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.
(14)  Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.
(15)  What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.
(16)  O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.
(17)  Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
(18)  For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.
(19)  The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.
(20)  The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.
(21)  For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover.
(22)  Hezekiah also had said, What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?

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Job 33

Job 33  

FRIDAY  Reflections

Job 32 introduced a young man called Elihu. He confesses he is young. He has waited out of respect until everyone else has spoken before he has ventured to speak.  Elihu sees Job’s three friends haven’t actually proven Job has done anything wrong. Yet, he believes Job is accusing God of being unfaithful.

I have respect for Elihu. He followed the path of respect and courtesy in spite of having very strong feelings about what was being said. He also gave God, as we might say it, the benefit of the doubt, or more precisely he trusts God is always right. He points out here what may sound like a repeat of what was said by Job’s “friends,” yet it seems to me with more of an attitude of defending God than accusing Job.

In verse 13, Elihu gives a picture of God calling out to man but man missing it. He draws a picture here of God who calls people to him and away from destruction. He pictures God as one who rescues. 

Job 33:1-33
(1)  Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.
(2)  Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth.
(3)  My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.
(4)  The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
(5)  If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up.
(6)  Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.
(7)  Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.
(8)  Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,
(9)  I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.
(10)  Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy,
(11)  He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths.
(12)  Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.
(13)  Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.
(14)  For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.
(15)  In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;
(16)  Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,
(17)  That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
(18)  He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
(19)  He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:
(20)  So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat.
(21)  His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out.
(22)  Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
(23)  If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:
(24)  Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.
(25)  His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth:
(26)  He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.
(27)  He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;
(28)  He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.
(29)  Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man,
(30)  To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.
(31)  Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.
(32)  If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.
(33)  If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.

Acts 13

Acts 13  

 THURSDAY  Reflections

How did the ministry of Saul, who we know as Paul, begin? It began in the normal disciplines of the Christian faith. It began when they were worshiping God, fasting, and praying. We see no activity on the part of those there asking God to start a new ministry. We don’t see Saul and Barnabas announcing they had been called to ministry. As far as I can see, they were just seeking God. In the act of seeking to know God, God gave them a ministry.

If you ever read Oswald Chambers’ book, My Utmost for His Highest (https://utmost.org/), one of the main themes is seeking God first and then doing God’s work. In this chapter, it is when people are seeking God that God gives a ministry. I wonder if in the church we are too focused on what ministry we should be doing rather than focusing on the God who gives us the ministry to do?

Another point, even after they receive the word to send Barnabas and Saul they waited. They fasted and prayed even more before they sent them out. The church didn’t rush to send them once they heard from the Holy Spirit. They fasted and prayed more, I believe, to prepare those who were being sent. 

Act 13:1-52
(1)  Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
(2)  As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
(3)  And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
(4)  So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
(5)  And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
(6)  And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
(7)  Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
(8)  But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
(9)  Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
(10)  And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
(11)  And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
(12)  Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
(13)  Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
(14)  But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
(15)  And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
(16)  Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
(17)  The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
(18)  And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
(19)  And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.
(20)  And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
(21)  And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
(22)  And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
(23)  Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
(24)  When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
(25)  And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
(26)  Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
(27)  For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
(28)  And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
(29)  And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
(30)  But God raised him from the dead:
(31)  And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
(32)  And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
(33)  God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
(34)  And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
(35)  Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
(36)  For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
(37)  But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
(38)  Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
(39)  And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
(40)  Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
(41)  Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
(42)  And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
(43)  Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
(44)  And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
(45)  But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
(46)  Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
(47)  For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
(48)  And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
(49)  And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
(50)  But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
(51)  But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
(52)  And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

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Psalm 30

Psalm 30

WEDNESDAY  Reflections

This psalm sings the praise of God delivering David from sickness and death. It tells of God’s recovery of David and his victory.

The notes tell us this was a song sung at the dedication of the temple. It seems appropriate for such an occasion that this song be sung. A song of God bringing someone from the edge of death to triumph. In our victory over sin and Satan, we too can sing praise to God. For me, this psalm is a song to be song/read by anyone who has received salvation through Jesus Christ. We have been saved, lifted up, and we have the victory. We cannot be silent.

Psa 30:1-12
(1)  A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David. I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.
(2)  O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.
(3)  O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
(4)  Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
(5)  For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
(6)  And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.
(7)  LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
(8)  I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.
(9)  What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
(10)  Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.
(11)  Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
(12)  To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

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Exodus 28 On Your Heart

What is on your heart?

Exodus 28  

TUESDAY  Reflections

Most of this section covers the fashioning of everything that goes into the tabernacle. God specifically instructed how the garments worn by the priest were to be made. It is easy to get lost in the details or to gloss over them, however, I want to look at one small detail. Exodus 28:29. "Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breast piece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD."

 

God ordained the high priest to carry the names of the children of Israel over his heart. This I see as not just a ceremonial duty, but a spiritual duty. The priest is supposed to bridge the gap between the people and God. This duty can only be carried out without abuse if the people are loved by the priest, (the people are on their heart). History is full of abuses carried out by spiritual leaders. Love keeps a leader from becoming abusive.

 

Jesus shows his love for the people time after time. He had compassion on them, he loved, he wept over them, and ultimately, he showed his love by laying down his life for them.

 

What does this have to do with us? We are called to be like Christ and thus carry the people not just of Israel but the world on our hearts. To put it another way, we are called to love.

Exo 28:1-43

(1)  And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.

(2)  And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.

(3)  And 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.

(4)  And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

(5)  And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.

(6)  And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.

(7)  It shall have the two shoulderpieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together.

(8)  And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

(9)  And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:

(10)  Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth.

(11)  With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.

(12)  And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

(13)  And thou shalt make ouches of gold;

(14)  And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.

(15)  And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.

(16)  Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.

(17)  And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.

(18)  And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

(19)  And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.

(20)  And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

(21)  And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.

(22)  And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold.

(23)  And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.

(24)  And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate.

(25)  And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod before it.

(26)  And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.

(27)  And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.

(28)  And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.

(29)  And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.

(30)  And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.

(31)  And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue.

(32)  And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent.

(33)  And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:

(34)  A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about.

(35)  And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not.

(36)  And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

(37)  And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be.

(38)  And it shall 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.

(39)  And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework.

(40)  And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.

(41)  And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.

(42)  And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:

(43)  And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

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