TFTBR - March 2013

[Resource Manager]

01 March 2013

Leviticus 5; 6
Psalms 105
1 Corinthians 14

"THE ONE WHO PROPHECIES BUILDS UP THE CHURCH"

Today’s chapter of 1 Corinthians [1 Corinthians 14] completes Paul’s detailed advice to the believers on the wise use of the spiritual gifts that were then available. Those who claim some type of spiritual gift today almost always quote very selectively from this chapter, ignoring the context. They had no Bible to read in Corinth - like we have! It seems there were ‘sayings’ in circulation, Paul quotes some, see 1 Timothy 1:15; 4:8-9; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8.

There is one particular gift that Paul stresses. Today’s first verse states, “earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophecy” What is this gift of prophecy? It is clearly explained in 1 Corinthians 14:3, “ …the one who prophecies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.” Then 1 Corinthians 14:4-5 “The one who prophecies builds up the church … The one who prophecies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues … that the church may be built up.” We commented yesterday on 1 Corinthians 14:23 on the negative effect of tongue speaking in church.

In contrast to tongues, if believers “all prophecy” in the sense of upbuilding fellow believers, how positive this would be. Remember how this was God’s primary commission to the Old Testament prophets; frequently their task was to turn the people back to serving God properly,

In the same way, ‘prophecy’ was to be used in the Corinthian church and those with sprit-empowered messages, were to build up their fellow believers - then when an “unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed and, so falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.” [1 Corinthians 14:24-25]

There is surely a parallel to this today when God’s word is logically and clearly explained in the affect it has, usually over time – and the reverent spirit it produces. When a person who comes amongst us and is seeking God then his or her mind will become convinced that God and Christ are really among us. In modern language use – we should say, ‘Awesome’! Do we really sense this? Tomorrow’s powerful 15th chapter is an essential foundation in our efforts to “prophecy” and convince others (and ourselves) of our foundation purpose and hope in living.

Today’s chapter concludes with appropriate words, “my brothers earnestly desire to prophecy … all things should be done decently and in order.” We ‘hear’ the words of ‘prophecy’ today through reading the divine word every day – let us not neglect to ‘listen.’
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

02 March 2013

Leviticus 7
Psalms 106
1 Corinthians 15  

"THOSE WHO ARE OF HEAVEN"

Our reading of that well known and oft quoted chapter, 1 Corinthians 15, graphically illustrates a principle that is made again and again in God’s word – that there is no ‘middle’ way: our ultimate future is black – or - white.  Paul goes to great pains to emphasize this: some in Corinth were doubting that Christ’s resurrection literally happened, this would be the continuing influence of the convictions they had had as pagans, one it was hard to put out of their minds, still having pagan friends would not help! , “How can you say there is no resurrection of the dead,” he challenges them, “if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” [1 Corinthians 15:12,14]

Paul then contrasts “the first man Adam” with “the last Adam (who) became a life-giving spirit” [1 Corinthians 15:45]  Those who do not become related to “the last Adam” – to Christ - will remain related to the first Adam.  

Paul then uses the contrast between heaven and earth (i.e. dust) – we are related to one or the other.  He says, “as was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven.” [1 Corinthians 15:48,49]

Do we ‘feel’ we “are of heaven”?  It is one thing or the other. Of course, it in no way means we go to heaven, verses. 1 Corinthians 15:35-45 make that very plain; the “natural body” becomes a “spiritual body” when it is raised to life again..  But, just as the world around us is showing even more plainly that it is “of the dust” – so we must respond by making it more and more evident that we are among “those who are of heaven.”

The final verse of this chapter challenges us, as it challenged them, that  we should show this in a particular attitude to life.  “Therefore”, writes Paul, “my beloved brothers, (and that includes sisters) be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

03 March 2013

Leviticus 8
Psalms 107
1 Corinthians 16

“THE DAYS OF YOUR ORDINATION”

We have been reading in Leviticus about the laws and offerings that were to come into operation now that they had made the Tabernacle with its Holy Place, altars and other furnishings. The clothing and rituals for the priests are very detailed and elaborate.

Today’s reading [Leviticus 8] is about how the LORD tells Moses to bring Aaron and his sons and assemble all the congregation to the Tabernacle. They are then to hold what might be called an ordination ceremony. There are various ordination offerings [Leviticus 8:22,28,29,31] Aaron and his sons are to stay within “the tent of meeting … until the days of your ordination (the A V uses the word consecration) are completed, for it will take 7 days to ordain you.” [Leviticus 8:33]

Now all this is a total contrast to the way the church operated in the First Century. The New Testament has no mention or indication of anything like an ordination ceremony, there is no mention of them building places of worship – they appeared to meet in the homes of members as we read today in 1 Corinthians 16:19 to “the church in their house”– and note Acts 2:46. The word church does not mean a building, it means an ‘assembly’ or congregation, as it is translated in Acts 19:32,39.

There were elders and Peter simply describes himself as “a fellow elder” [1 Peter 5:1] and goes on to write that elders should “shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly, not domineering … but being examples to the flock.” [1 Peter 5:2-3] Jesus bluntly said, “call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.” [Matthew 23:9]

It was not until the Church was officially recognised by the Roman Empire in the 4th Century that an elaborate ritual of ordination and costuming was developed and this still happens today; most of the world is aware of the present drama of deciding who will be the next Pope! The First Century believers saw Jesus Christ as their only Priest. Read Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-10. Even the Jews abandoned their Priesthood system after their Temple was destroyed.

Is there not a sense in which baptism is an ordination? When each individual ordains to be baptised, that is decides, they are made aware in various ways of the commitment they are making to Christ and to God.

How meaningful are those “the days of ordination” – what searchings of the heart! – but this world then presents them with many challenges and the regularly feeding of their and our minds on God’ word is an essential source of strength to “endure unto the end.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

04 March 2013

Leviticus 9; 10
Psalms 108; 109
2 Corinthians 1; 2

I WILL BE SANCTIFIED

‘Sanctified’ means recognized as holy, set apart from the commonplace; treating spiritual situations with all reverence. Far above all other considerations, this must be our spirit when we approach God. Our Leviticus reading today shows us the dramatic and disastrous result of a failure to do this.

Think of the atmosphere at the tabernacle in the manifestation of the actual presence of God when “the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people. And fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offerings …” [Leviticus 9:23-24]. The effect of this should have created reverence and humility. This should have been their feeling in worship from then on,- and initially it was! . “They shouted and fell on their faces” [Leviticus 9:24].

Aaron had 4 sons, all were involved in assisting their father and today’s chapter tells us how tragedy overwhelmed two of them. In the way we speak today we might judge that their position of importance went to their heads! Nadab and Abihu “each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD which he had not commanded them” [Leviticus 10:1]

The result was terrifying for they “died before the LORD” as fire from him “consumed them” [Leviticus 10:2] Moses then says to Aaron, “Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified” [Leviticus 10:3]

There is a vital lesson here for everyone who seeks to serve God and have a living relationship with him: this applies to followers of Jesus just as much as to Israelites. Examples of a failure to do this come to mind. One is the practice of the christening of babies in many churches instead of baptism when they grow to understanding - christening is not even hinted at in Scripture. Baptism is expressed as “an appeal to God for a good conscience” [1 Peter 3:21] The eunuch was told by Philip he could be baptised “if you believe with all your heart.” [Acts 8:37]

Baptism brings a person into a state of sanctification. When Paul was saying farewell to the Ephesian elders [Acts 20:17-38] he said, “now I commend you to God and the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified” [Acts 20:32] God’s word builds us up, it constantly reminds believers they are sanctified.

A final point: baptism gives believers the responsibility, as we read today in 2 Corinthians, to try to encourage others through the example of Christ in us, “for we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved … a fragrance from life to life.” [2 Corinthians 2:15-16] Christ, “through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” [2 Corinthians 2:14] What “fragrance” can we spread today? .
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

05 March 2013

Leviticus 11
Psalms 110; 111; 112
2 Corinthians 3; 4

"RENEWED DAY BY DAY ... "

How essential it is that we are renewed day by day. Just as our body needs physical food ­ so does our mind. This is one of the points in Paul’s 2nd letter to the Corinthians. His life is under a lot of stress, far more than others. He says, “we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair, persecuted but not forsaken …” [2 Corinthians 4:8-9] Believers in some countries today are finding a lot of this applies to them.

These stresses are certain to become more widespread in our world - although probably of a different order. It will be our personal heart felt conviction of faith and belief that will enable us to endure ­ as it did with Paul. He was inspired by those who had gone before, such as the stirring convictions expressed in the Psalms we are currently reading.

“Since we have the same spirit of faith”, writes Paul, “according to what has been written, ‘I believed and so I spoke’ we also believe, and so we also speak …” [2 Corinthians 4:13-14] Let us make sure we say the same! How positive Paul is! Let us also be positive. He states, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.” [ 2 Corinthians 4:16]

The foundation of our daily renewal is our meditative reading of God’s word ­ leading to prayer. In Paul’s day, as in ours, not all were ‘honest’ with what they read, they were not sufficiently conscious of the all seeing eye of God. In 2 Corinthians 4:2 we see how Paul makes the point, “ … we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God”

It is regular reading which brings God’s word into a balanced focus for our understanding, any uncertainties as to its meaning steadily disappear. God has revealed all things which it is needful for us to know in our mortal lives. We would long to know more detail of what lies ahead, but our chapter ends with soul stirring words, “… we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” [2 Corinthians 4:18] Make sure you are “renewed” today.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

06 March 2013

Leviticus 12; 13
Psalms 113; 114
2 Corinthians 5; 6; 7

"AS HAVING NOTHING, YET POSSESSING EVERYTHING"

The points Paul makes to the Corinthians in his 2nd letter are very thought provoking – but really Jesus made the same point – it all comes down to the fact that those who give minimal priority to genuine spiritual things have a different set of values from those who give them a high priority.  In the outworking of those values in daily life it becomes clear (to God) what our main priorities are, what kind of path we are really treading in life.  

Paul starts 2 Corinthians 6 by stating the obvious!  “Working together with him …” (i.e. Christ and His Father).  A picture of our teamwork with the divine; Paul had set the example.  He then writes, “we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” [2 Corinthians 6:1] They had received God’s grace, accepting his calling, but it could, in the end, be all in vain – just like most of those delivered from slavery in Egypt.

Paul then proceeds to pull together some intriguing word pictures – he draws the contrast between what a normal man sees – and what his eye of faith sees about the course his life is taking. He says, “In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.” [2 Corinthians 6:4]   Life for Paul, humanly speaking, was very hard, there were many challenging situations, yet such was his spirituality that he was “overflowing with joy” despite the “beatings, imprisonments, riots, labours, sleepless nights, hunger …” [2 Corinthians 6:5]

2 Corinthians 6:10 tells us Paul was “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.”  There were spiritual joys which far outweighed his sorrows.  “As poor, yet making many rich”   It was James who wrote,  “has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?” [James 2:5]  They show their love by their actions, not just in words  John made this point, he wrote, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” [1 John 3:18]

Paul counted as nothing the material things this world could provide and which he no doubt had ‘enjoyed’ as a Pharisee.  He told Timothy, “if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” [1 Timothy 6:8]   He then sums up his whole attitude by telling the Corinthians (and his readers of every generation) – “as having nothing, yet possessing everything”  Do you possess everything?
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

07 March 2013

Leviticus 14
Psalms 115; 116
2 Corinthians 8; 9

"OF THEIR OWN FREEWILL"

Paul’s letters to the Corinthians are the most detailed and intimate of all that he wrote to places he had visited. It is evident as we read 2 Corinthians 8; 9 that he has built up a close relationship and understanding with them. He tells them of the believers in Macedonia, of which Philippi and Thessalonica are principal cities and their “readiness” in serving the Lord. Then he tells the Corinthians “about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.” [2 Corinthians 8:1-2].

In the next verse Paul drives home the point, “For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own freewill.” [2 Corinthians 8:3].

Paul uses the word “boasting” ­ but it is boasting in a good sense ­ about the example of others of dedication and “giving” of time and effort, not just money. In mentioning this Paul seeks to inspire others to do the same. Of course, it becomes a bad thing if it degenerates into a ‘competition’ and self-righteousness. The principle is stated in the Proverbs, “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth” [Proverbs 27:2].

Paul states the principles involved very clearly in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”

What a contrast this is to the mechanical process of tithing that had developed under the Law of Moses and the way the religious leaders of Jesus’ day practiced it ­ and today! Some churches distort the scripture to justify pressuring their members to tithe ­ and yet, as we have noted previously, tithing in the nation of Israel was a sort of income tax for the running of the nation, for the Levites were responsible for much more than overseeing worship; an example is in our Leviticus reading today [Leviticus 14) in the containing and eradicating of forms of leprosy (mildew?).

Finally, our Psalm reading reminded us of another form of sacrifice that those who seek to serve God should make. The Psalmist said to God, “I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD” [Psalm 116:17] This is a sacrifice we make of our own freewill, it is a special way of showing how we feel toward God in response to the love he has shown to us ­ and will show to us more and more as we come closer to him.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

08 March 2013

Leviticus 15
Psalms 117; 118
2 Corinthians 10; 11

“UNCLEAN, UNCLEAN”

Those suffering with leprosy in Bible times were expected to cry out “Unclean, unclean” [Leviticus 13:45] so that people would know not to touch him or her for fear of contagion. Today’s reading in Leviticus 15, might seem rather boring, but it has valuable lessons on cleanliness of which the world was ignorant until about 200 years ago.

The word ‘Leprosy’ in Leviticus covers a multitude of skin infections, some serious, some not. In the last 2 days we have seen that it was the Priest’s responsibility to determine which was serious and see that action was taken. Today we read about the precautions with sick people and others who had bodily discharges so as to prevent the spread of dangerous infection.

Those unclean with a “discharge” were not to touch anyone “without having rinsed their hands in water”. The person touched by someone unclean was also regarded as unclean until the evening and was required to “wash his clothes and bathe himself” [Leviticus 15:11] They also had to cleanse the drinking and other vessels they used.

It is only a few generations since our world discovered how infections spread and the great importance of hygiene; before then countless deaths and plagues occurred. In the 19th Century a few medical men, suddenly realizing that the Bible had such laws given by God 4,000 years earlier became convinced it really was a divine revelation from God and became regarded the Bible was a Divinely inspired book and the doctors then started to cure more than they killed!..

In today’s chapter of Corinthians [2 Corinthians 11] we see a spiritual counterpart! Paul laments that some were easily “led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” He then writes, “if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” [2 Corinthians 11:3-5].

Then he makes the point, “such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.” [2 Corinthians 11:13]

The tragedy today is that many accept an “unclean” gospel – but some, by God’s grace, come to realize this and go through a cleansing process. We also read that if really bad behaviour is not cleansed, there is a parallel action to be taken to that of leprosy in dealing with it. See what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 5:9-13, the faithful church cannot include those who are spiritually unclean.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

09 March 2013

Leviticus 16
Psalms 119:1-40
2 Corinthians 12; 13

"WITH MY WHOLE HEART ... "

Today we started reading Psalm 119. The longest ‘chapter’ in the Bible. The phrase “whole” arrested our attention, it is in Psalm 119:2, 10, 34 in today’s portion. The point comes across most powerfully that the real way to approach God is to do it with all our being, with total commitment of mind.

Psalm 119:2 says “Blessed are those who keep his testimonies who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!” If the Psalmist is David, which many presume it is, we note how he then exclaims, “Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!” [Psalm 119:5]

The question and answer given in Psalm 119:9-11 are ones we should memorise – and we are sure they apply to young women as much as to young men. The question is, “How can a young man keep his way pure?” And the answer, “By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

David experienced times of depression. The Psalmist writes, “My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!” [Psalm 119:28] So God’s word, as well as inspiring our mind to keep out (or get rid of) impurities, is a source of strength when we are depressed. He declares, “I cling to your testimonies O LORD …. I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!” [Psalm 119:31-32]

Our hearts and minds need enlarging for them to contain all the precepts, knowledge and wisdom we gain over time from God’s word, this process pushes out all unwholesome thoughts.

“Give me understanding that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.” [Psalm 119:34] The word ‘law’ is all embracing, it is not just a set of rules to be kept (and added to) as those opposed to Jesus practised.

Finally, glancing ahead to Psalm 119:57, the Psalmist declares, “The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words. I entreat your favour with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; I hasten and do not delay …”

We must follow his example with our whole heart!
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

10 March 2013

Leviticus 17; 18
Psalms 119:41-80
Luke 1  

“SO KEEP MY CHARGE NEVER TO … ”      

Leviticus does not make pleasant reading, but there are many things in the Bible which make us feel uncomfortable – for our own good.  We could not fail to notice, in reading Leviticus 18, the parallel with much human behaviour these days.   The LORD tells Moses about his abhorrence of many of the ways of life in Egypt – and in leaving Egypt, God expected his people to leave that way of life behind.  The chapter ends with the words, “So keep my charge never to practice any of these abominable customs that were practiced before you, and never make yourselves unclean by them.  I am the LORD your God.”  

What were these abominable customs?   One was, “You shall not lie (have sex) with a male as with a woman.” [Leviticus 18:22]  There is also a long list of sexual relationships which are wrong.  God says, “You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan to which I am bringing you …. For by all these, the nations I am driving out before you have become unclean” [Leviticus 18:3,24]  

Our world today has become more than ever unclean in the sight of God – will he one day do to our world as he did to the nations in the days of Moses?  There are indications in Scripture that he will, but let us concentrate on ourselves – and the demands that we stay “clean”.    

This is the spiritual hygiene which we saw emphasized yesterday as we started reading Psalm 119.  We read more of this today and we see that the Psalmist was conscious his ways needed some cleansing for he writes, “When I think of my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.  Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law …. I am a companion of all those who fear you …” [Psalm 119:59-62]

Notice that last sentence!  Instead of being a companion to those who have no thought for God, he seeks the companionship of those who do.   The Psalmist also recognises that troubles can be a blessing in disguise when he sees they caused him to rely on God.  He says, “It is good for me that I was afflicted that I might learn your statutes” [Psalm 119:71] and “in faithfulness you have afflicted me” [Psalm 119:75].

Food for our own careful thought at all times, but especially when our lives encounter difficulties and we seem unable to cope with them and we pray, “Let your steadfast love comfort me … Let your mercy come to me that I may live; for your law is my delight … I will meditate on your precepts.” [Psalm 119:76-78]
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

11 March 2013

Leviticus 19
Psalms 119:81-128
Luke 2

“MY MEDITATION ALL THE DAY”

The intensity of spiritual thought to be found in Psalm 119 invites our deepest reflection and meditation. The Psalmist is contemplating how the reality of his relationship with God penetrated all spheres of his life. As we read this Psalm it impels us to treasure God’s word as the springboard of all our really worthwhile meditation. “How sweet are your words to my taste. Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way” [Psalm 119:103-104]

How much does our meditation lead us to hate every false way? The philosophy of today is not to “hate” anything, everything is to be tolerated. The uninspired human heart stumbles along in its blindness.

Can we say with the Psalmist, “Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day … I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.” [Psalm 119:97, 99] He tells God, “Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart” therefore “I hate the double minded, but I love your law.” [Psalm 119:111,113]

What a human inclination it is these days to be double-minded, our politicians are good at that, but they are only reflecting the attitudes of the many, but the Psalmist, who – let us not forget – is addressing God, says, “All the wicked of the earth you (will) discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies. My flesh trembles for fear (awe) of you …” [Psalm 119:119-120] and asks, “Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love.” [Psalm 119:124]

Do we ask that? Our readings in Luke’s Gospel details one person who was particularly aware of that – and overwhelmed by that! We read yesterday of Mary saying, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices…” Today we read the testimony of the shepherds who came to see the babe lying in a manger and told Mary of their experience and what they had heard. And Mary “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” [Luke 2:19].

When Mary and Joseph bring the babe to Jerusalem, Simeon a “righteous and devout man …. Blessed them and said to Mary…. Behold this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed … so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” [Luke 2:25,34,35]

Thoughts revealed? Well, just look at the reactions of those jealous of Jesus! Look at the heart searchings of those who started to follow him and then left [John 6:60, 66] Yes, God can read all thoughts, he can see how well we are responding to the teaching of Jesus and whether we are meditating like the Psalmist! Or are we meditating at all? It takes someone like David to meditate all the day? But God knows what is happening in our hearts. Your heart?
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

12 March 2013

Leviticus 20
Psalms 119:129-176
Luke 3

“I REJOICE AT YOUR WORD”

Today we completed reading the 176 verses of Psalm 119.  What impressed us was how often the Psalmist stresses the value of knowing God’s word.   There is no point in reading God’s word if what we read has no effect on us.  We read today, “The unfolding of your word gives light; it imparts understanding …” [Psalm 119:130] and leads to the plea for God’s help to “keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.” [Psalm 119:133]

Those with a firm relationship and reliance on God then feel great dismay at the attitudes they see around them; the Psalmist becomes very emotional about this, “My eyes shed streams of tears , because people do not keep your law … my zeal consumes me because my foes forget your words.” [Psalm 119:136,139]

There have been many times in history – and again today in countries like Pakistan - where “foes” arise to make life difficult for those who follow Christ. The Psalmist says, “I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts … your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.” [Psalm 119:141,144]

He sees more than the continuation of the struggles of this mortal life, he looks forward to the time when he may live eternally – and because of this he declares, “The sum of your word is truth …my heart stands in awe of your words. I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil … great peace have they who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.  I hope for your salvation, O LORD …” [Psalm 119:160-166]  May God’s salvation be our hope and peace of mind, so that our ‘steps’ in this life are sure and firm.

In Luke’s gospel today we read of John Baptists’ message “to the crowds that came out to be baptized … ‘Bear fruits in keep with repentance’” [Luke 3:7-8] he told them.  God’s call to people has not changed, but the foundation attitude of those who respond to the call is that they say to God, “I rejoice at your word.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

13 March 2013

Leviticus 21
Psalms 120; 121; 122; 123; 124
Luke 4

"I WAS SENT FOR THIS PURPOSE"

The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” [1 Timothy 1:15] That salvation was only possible through his sacrifice on the cross, a sacrifice that brought an end to all the sacrifices of animals and the use of their blood on the altar that we have been reading about in Leviticus.

But that was not the only reason Jesus came into the world! The point is very clearly made in today’s chapter in Luke 4. As Jesus moved around Israel many were attracted by his healings. “…all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on them …and healed them … The people … would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them. ‘I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” [Luke 4:40,42,43] But were they listening to “the good news”? The people of Capernaum, in particular, who had been “exalted to heaven” [Luke 10:15] by their witnessing of heavenly deeds and hearing his message, were rejected for their failure to change their lives and really follow him.

After Jesus rose from the dead he showed he was alive “by many proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” [Acts 1:3] The Apostles continued his message; note how the very last verse in Acts tells us that Paul was “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness …”

This message was an integral part of the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth” [Matthew 5:5] The way the meek, i.e., the gentle minded, will inherit the earth is for Jesus to return and establish his kingdom on the earth.

Those who decide to follow Jesus must have this purpose also – sharing his message of hope for our ever more troubled world. Let us not be attracted and distracted by the essentially purpose-less pursuits of the world around us but show by what we say and do that we are following in his footsteps.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

14 March 2013

Leviticus 22
Psalms 125; 126; 127
Luke 5

“BUT AT YOUR WORD I WILL …”

Who told Jesus to “Depart from me!” after he had witnessed a remarkable miracle? It was Peter! He had said, although he was sceptical, he would do what Jesus had suggested!

Now in our reading in Luke 5 today we see how Jesus used Peter’s boat as a preaching platform and “when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” [Luke 5:4]

Now Peter earned his living by fishing, he really knew when and where the fish were most likely to be found. He answers, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!” [Luke 5:5]. He “knew” there were no fish around so with what frame of mind would he then add, “But at your word, I will let down the nets.”

he nets become so full of fish that they are breaking and they need the help of others from another boat! The fish “filled both boats so that they began to sink” [Luke 5:7] Peter is overwhelmed, he gasps out, “Depart from me for I am a sinful man, O Lord” [Luke 5:8] Because of his intimate knowledge of fishing this miracle shocks him far more than the healing of his mother-in-law’s fever and other sick people we read of yesterday.

Peter realises Jesus has the power to do anything! This causes him to be overwhelmed by a sense of his own unworthiness. Do we ever get confronted by our own sense of unworthiness? What about our feelings when the miracle of the return of Jesus starts to unfold before our eyes? Carefully meditate on the emotion you will feel then!

Do we really believe Jesus is with believers in spirit here and now? The disciple John wrote, in his old age, “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God abides in him, and he in God…. God is love and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment. ” [1 John 4:15-17] Surely all who believe the spirit of Christ is all around them and have responded to his call “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me” [John 7:37] – and “thirst” to read God’s word everyday will have confidence when it is evident Jesus is returning.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

15 March 2013

Leviticus 23
Psalms 128; 129; 130
Luke 6

WHAT DO THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS REALLY MEAN TO ME?

"Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like" [Luke 6:47] There follows the story of a man carefully building a house and digging deep and finding a rock on which to base foundations. So when all was complete "a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it because it had been well built" [Luke 6:48]

Now this parable begins with Jesus saying, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, lord and not do the things that I tell you?" [Luke 6:46]. We all need to ask ourselves – what do the teachings of Jesus really mean to me? Do I live in a way that shows I believe in them?

We are being buffeted by the storms of Godless human behaviour as never before, it is becoming a tsunami of Godlessness. But look at the difference between the natural and the spiritual. We are frightened by violent weather. But when it comes to a flood of immoral behaviour, many seem to welcome it, and, maybe more deadly still, many enjoy indulging in splashing in the shallows, ignoring the awesome flood of God's judgments that is promised.

Ancient Israel fooled themselves thinking; well God is in our midst, we go to the Temple to worship, "we lean on the Lord" - but the prophet Micah said to them, you "detest justice and make crooked all that is straight" [Micah 5:9] yet you then "lean on the LORD and say, 'is not the LORD in the midst of us ? No disaster shall come upon us.' Therefore because of you Zion shall be plowed as a field; and Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins …" [Micah 5:11,12]

The spiritual failure in which they fooled themselves that the Lord was with them led to the realisation, too late, that their personal spiritual house was not built upon a spiritual rock. History is set to repeat itself – the same call goes out now as is it did then! Note the message God sent through the prophet Zephaniah. "Seek the LORD all you humble of the land who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden in the day of the anger of the LORD." [Zephaniah 2:3]
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

16 March 2013

Leviticus 24
Psalms 131; 132; 133; 134
Luke 7

"WHO INHABITS ETERNITY"

"Remember O LORD in David's favour, all the hardships he endured, how he swore to the LORD and vowed …" [Psalm 132:1-2] The prayer and petition in that Psalm has a very significant lesson for us. What particular thing did David vow to do that he should be remembered for? Was it some great thing? He did many great things starting with the killing of Goliath, not counting the killing of the wild animals that sought to attack the sheep he was caring for. But his vow is not something that human nature sees as great ­ but which today's Psalm is a plea about! The memory of this vow should be counted in his favour! Is it a vow we should consider making?

He vowed "I will not enter my house or get into my bed, I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob" [Psalm 132:3-5]

David cannot mean he is going to build a literal temple for the Almighty. Nor can he mean the Tabernacle, for the LORD had had a dwelling place there for centuries.

The answer is to be found in Isaiah 57, as well as other places. There we read "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit" [isaiah 57:15]

So the dwelling place that David vowed to find for the LORD was in his own heart. To do that he had to mentally prostrate himself before the Lord! How to do that? We suggest a factor in this is getting your true imagination to try to comprehend God's immeasurable greatness and how he desires to dwell in the hearts of the humble.

Remember how Jesus said, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him" [John 14:23] Our heart becomes a Temple if we really carry out the first commandment to the full! At the end of each day, we need to take stock, and restore any loss the day has brought to the Father's spiritual temple in our heart.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

17 March 2013

Leviticus 25
Psalms 135; 136
Luke 8

GOD'S PRINCIPLE

Today’s readings in Leviticus 25 are the words of the LORD about how the nation is to function when they settle into the promised land.

First there are laws to see that they treat the land properly so that the soil continues to yield its increase. They were work the land for 6 years “but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the LORD” [Leviticus 25:4] This policy of ploughing a field for 6 years and letting it rest on the 7th made good sense. The soil could rejuvenate. It is only in recent generations that farmers have been able to use lots of extra chemical fertilisers to increase land productivity. But at the same time they have made mistakes, and in trying to make the land too productive, some have ruined it.

The chapter goes on to tell us that after 7 cycles or 7, making 49 years, the 50th year was to be a Jubilee Year, a very special year when “each of you shall return to his property” [Leviticus 25:13] God said, “The land shall not be sold in perpetuity for the land is mine.” [Leviticus 25:23]

When they arrive in the promised land, as we will read in May, the land will be divided by Joshua into territories for each tribe. Each of these territories are then divided again into the ownership of families within the tribe, and then again to heads of households and individuals. If land was sold because of some urgent need, this was only until the next Jubilee Year. We read of various laws designed to help those who became poor. It is summed up in verse 46 “you shall not rule over one another ruthlessly” [Leviticus 25:46]

The law was very good, but the people often were not, and did not put it into practice very well. God’s messages through the prophets often address this failure. In Isaiah we read, “Woe to those who join house to house and add field to field” [isaiah 5:8] The whole spirit of capitalism as practiced in much of the world now is wrong; it cultivates a spirit of greed in building up more and more wealth. But God’s principle for Israel was, “the land is mine” ­ they were the tenants to whom he had let it out. Surely the same will apply in the Kingdom of God. When, new week we come to Luke 18, take special note of Luke 18:25
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

18 March 2013

Leviticus 26
Psalms 137; 138; 139
Luke 9

"FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE"

I remember searchlights as a boy. Beams of light would sweep across the sky from near where I lived. They were searching for enemy planes, if they found one they would lock on to it and the gunners would try to shoot it down. My wife Fran had gunners right near her house.

We were reminded of this by our reading of Psalm 139 today. "Oh LORD you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up … you search out my path" [Psalm 139:1-3]. But David realizes that God's power to "see" extends far beyond what we do physically. We read, "you discern my thoughts from afar … even before a word is on my tongue …" [Psalm 139:4]

In the language young people use today, they would describe as 'awesome' the thought that God knows our thoughts before we even put them into words. That really is a searchlight on the mind. We cannot limit the meaning to David personally.

BUT there is even more than this in what he writes, a wonderful inspiration by God! We read, "For you formed my inward parts , you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made … your eyes saw my unformed substance." [Psalm 139:13,14,16].

Today, clever men have unravelled some of the secrets of DNA and the human genome. David was inspired to write 3,000 years ago of his "unformed substance," i.e DNA.

Finally, the word 'SEARCH' occurs again at the climax of the Psalm, Search me O God, and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts … and lead me in the way everlasting." [Psalm 139:23,24] Would I, would you, want to sense God's searchlight on your thoughts? If the answer is "No" ­ then should it not also be 'No' to the question as to whether we want to led by God in the way everlasting?
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

19 March 2013

Leviticus 27
Psalms 140; 141; 142
Luke 10

PARABLES

Jesus spoke in parables, stories that were not necessarily factual because their purpose was to drive home some principle about the spiritual meaning of life. In Luke 10 we encounter some one word parables and phrases that are so obviously not literal. He did many miracles in Capernaum and other cities. He challenges, "If the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented long ago .." [Luke 10:13]

Capernaum had been the scene of many miracles, but it did not spark a spirit of repentance! They pursued Christ for more mass feeding on loaves and fishes ­ and the Master lamented, when they found him on the other side of the lake, "you are seeking me not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the fill of the loaves." [John 6:26]

This attitude leads Jesus to say, "… you Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades" [Luke 10:15] The city experienced seeing heavenly powers which it failed to react to. Its reward for this failure would be by going "down to Hades" That's "Hell" in the old A V Bible, the grave, in many modern versions. And Capernaum did die ­ for 1500 years - until archaeologists uncovered its ruins; so it was brought down to Hades.

In Luke 12 we read how Jesus makes a significant point, "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required." [Luke 12:48] The people of Capernaum failed on this important principle. Can we fail in this way today?

Jesus' disciples are sent out on a successful preaching and healing mission and when they return Jesus says, "I saw Satan like lightning fall from heaven" [Luke 10:18]. Again, obviously not be understood literally! We have seen the symbolic meeting of heaven! It means that the enemies of Jesus, those seeking his destruction, were "disarmed" by the demonstrations of heaven's power and lost their position as heaven's representatives. We see in Luke 11 how Jesus ridicules their attempts to deny the heavenly powers of Jesus [Luke 11:15-23], he ends by saying, "Whoever is not with me is against me..." We can take no neutral position when it comes to our personal relationship with Jesus. We must remember that!
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

20 March 2013

Numbers 1
Psalms 143; 144
Luke 11

"BLESSED RATHER ARE THOSE WHO ..."

Very soon we will be reading the Proverbs of Solomon. We thought of this when we saw the reference Jesus made to Solomon in today’s chapter 11 of Luke’s gospel. He made reference to the accounts in the Old Testament of the wisdom from God that Solomon received and how, such as the queen of Sheba, “came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon” [Luke 11:31]. But, said Jesus, “behold something greater than Solomon is here.”

Jesus was very popular and sought after – but was it for a good spiritual reason? “When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, ‘This generation is an evil generation …” [Luke 11:29] And our generation? When “a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed” he responded by saying, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” [Luke 11:27-28]

So many people want something physical to look at to ‘worship’ It is tragic that idol worship practices have made their way into much of Christianity, this has been specially evident in all the publicity about the new Pope. In contrast, how many want to hear the word of God and keep it! Today, when it is so easy to read it (or hear it read) how rarely is the opportunity taken!

Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” [John 9:5] The light continues in God’s word! In today’s chapter, did you notice how Jesus states, “after lighting a lamp (no-one) puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.” [Luke 11:33] Jesus then warns, “be careful lest the light in you be darkness” [Luke 11:35] Or, becomes darkness. We turn on a light to make use of it!

God’s word gives light to our world., but it is no use seeing the light if we are not going to make use of it. Beware lest the Bible becomes an ‘ornament’ on the bookshelf that we are pleased to have, but, could it become, or maybe already is, little better than having an image of Mary!? Oh no, but think, although, we make use of it on Sunday to take with us and turn up the readings – but is that all? Do we only eat food one day of the week? Our minds need constant good food – even more so today with so much junk food around! May we all loudly hear (in our hearts) the words of Jesus, “Blessed rather are those who hear (read) the word of God and keep it”.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

21 March 2013

Numbers 2
Psalms 145; 146; 147
Luke 12

"ONE'S LIFE DOES NOT CONSIST IN ..."

Many of the sayings of Jesus in today’s chapter of Luke [Luke 12] are very challenging. They were addressed to the generation that were about to experience the destruction of Jerusalem and their nation at the hands of the Romans: their lives were going to be turned upside down.

Yet, as it is today, nearly all were self-centred, their religious beliefs were just a sort of ‘decoration’ in their lives. However, many recognised Jesus spoke with authority and one man wanted him to use that authority in the wrong way. He said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me” [Luke 12:13] causing Jesus to respond, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” This man’s mind was focused on his life here and now and how Jesus could be a help: but that is the role of Jesus and his saints in his kingdom – ponder Psalm 149.

This exchange caused Jesus to say “to them (not just to him) take care, and be on your guard against covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” [Luke 12:15] But that is exactly what the lives of nearly all people do consist of today – plus pleasurable activities such as going on trips.

This leads Jesus to tell the parable “of a rich man” who stored up his possessions and said to himself, “Soul you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink and be merry.” [Luke 12:19] But that night God caused him to die! Jesus then made the point, so “is the one who is not rich toward God.”

The future of those who are rich toward God is spelt out in one of today’s Psalms. David looks to the time when “I will extol you my God and King, and bless your name for ever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name …” [Psalm 145:1-2] Truly, “The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.” [Psalm 145:20]

Let us make sure we show our love for him – for he knows what our lives consist of – he also knows what our world will soon experience, but he will preserve “all who love him”.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

22 March 2013

Numbers 3
Psalms 148; 149; 150
Luke 13; 14

"YOU WILL BE REPAID AT …”

Luke’s record of the sayings of Jesus in today’s chapters are very challenging. The essential message is that you cannot be a follower of Jesus on your own terms – you cannot just serve Jesus in your spare time.

Also – we must not serve Jesus in anticipation of getting immediate benefits. Jesus illustrated this with parables – such as those who “give a dinner or a banquet” with the expectation of receiving a return invite. (see Luke 14:12) Jesus did not count as his followers those who see themselves as being in a sort of exclusive happy family whose sole purpose as his servants is to enjoy one another’s company. Instead they are to be lights shining in the darkness of the world.

Paul put this very well, as we read earlier this month: ”what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” [2 Corinthians 4:5-6].

How do we show this light of knowledge in daily living? One way, said Jesus, “when you give a feast , invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” [Luke 14:13-14] Jesus, as with all his parables, is using normal events to illustrate spiritual principles. It is among the ‘lowly’ people in today’s affluent world where some are still responding to the light..

This is fulfilling Luke 14:21-22 of the parable where the Master said to his servant, “Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.” So he is told to go out again.

The final ingathering must be nearly complete. Let us make sure we are doing whatever we have the opportunity to do – to aid this final ingathering – then we “will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

23 March 2013

Numbers 4
Proverbs 1
Luke 15

"HOW LONG WILL SCOFFERS DELIGHT"

Solomon’s proverbs begin with a very telling chapter on the need “to know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in …” [Proverbs 1:2-3] It is a most appropriate message for all those who are in awe of God, “let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance” [Proverbs 1:5] writes Solomon.

Proverbs 1:7 states a vital principle, “ the fear (awe) of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” How vital to be in awe of the mightiness of the Creator of all that exists and aware of his all-seeing presence.

Solomon asks two “How long?” questions! First he says, “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?” [Proverbs 1:22] How are we to understand ‘simple?’ It has the sense of failing to understand the meaning of life. Solomon later makes the point, “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” [Proverbs 22:3]

Solomon’s second question is, “How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?” The knowledge he is talking about is “the knowledge of God”. The first 5 verses of chapter 2 [Proverbs 2:1-5] describes the difficulty of acquiring “the knowledge of God” – most challenging verses we need to read and meditate on!

The way Solomon describes the state of mind of scoffers precisely fits the attitudes of many today. “I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, … you have ignored all my counsel …” [Proverbs 1:24-25] So “How long” will God allow this to continue? It reminds us of the words of Jesus, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?” [Matthew 17:17]

God causes Solomon to write, “because you have ignored all my counsel (today we can say, ignored the Bible) “I also will laugh at your calamity … when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come … then they will call upon me, but I will not answer” [Proverbs 1:25-28]

Finally, the last verse tells us, “but whosoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” Let us listen, let us read and pay close attention ‘hiding’ God’s word in our hearts – Psalm 119:10-16.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

24 March 2013

Numbers 5
Proverbs 2
Luke 16

"ONE WHO IS DISHONEST IN VERY LITTLE"

Honesty seems to be an increasingly rare commodity in the 21st Century. Cheating the Government at least a little is a common practice. The shop assistant is astonished, but pleased, when one hands back money when you have been given too much change after making a purchase!

We read today a parable Jesus told about a manager who worked for a rich man and who was doing his job poorly and “wasting his possessions” [Luke 16:1]. This man had his mind fully set on this life and when he learnt he was going to lose his job he began “summoning his master’s debtors one by one” [Luke 16:5]. He comes to an arrangement with them to reduce the records about how much they owe his Master: this will obligate them to give him some support when he loses his job.

The rich man commends “the dishonest manager for his shrewdness” saying, “for the sons of this world are more shrewd in their dealing with their own generation than the sons of light” [Luke 16:8]. It appears to be a cynical observation and is followed by a strange statement, “And I tell you make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into eternal dwellings.” [Luke 16:8-9]

The point Jesus is making is that the “eternal dwellings” of the unrighteous are their tombs – and some elaborate tombs have been found by archaeologists, including the tomb of the High Priest’s family – a miniature replica of the Temple. This is the only future they will have because they have made money (and the things it can buy) their main objective in life. Note Jesus’ words, “One who is dishonest in very little is also dishonest in much. If you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” [Luke 16:11]

Our Lord’s final point is “You cannot serve God and money.” [Luke 16:13] We then read; “the Pharisees, who were lovers of money heard all these things and they ridiculed him. And he said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts.” [Luke 16:14-15] They were blind to the reality of the all-seeing eyes of God. We must not be blind in this way, or in any spiritual sense, being honest and true in our thinking in much more than money.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

25 March 2013

Numbers 6
Proverbs 3
Luke 17  

"THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU"                                                                                            

In Numbers we read that the establishment of Israel as an organised nation is now complete.  It had been just over a year since they escaped from Egypt; the 10 commandments and other laws had been given, the tabernacle had been made and erected and is now ready for use. The priesthood. led by Aaron, had been appointed,

Numbers 6  today concludes in a very significant way.  “The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

This was a very special blessing, for they were about to celebrate the Passover of their deliverance from Egypt for a second time and then move forward toward the promised land – the land promised to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Read the words of this blessing again, encouraging words to stimulate positive thought that the LORD is with you.  It is a most interesting phrase - to: “make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you”.  David makes reference to this no less than 7 times in his Psalms.  Moses, we know, “knew God face to face” [Deuteronomy 34:10], a relationship specially created, the outcome of 40 days in the presence of God on the mountain top.  

Our heavenly Father seeks a personal relationship with us through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.  Jesus said, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” [John 14:9]  Jesus represented the Father who himself “dwells in unapproachable light, whom no-one has ever seen or can see.” [1 Timothy 6:16].

We normally sing these words in seeking the LORD’s blessing when someone takes on the name of Christ through baptism.  They have intense meaning to illustrate the wonder of the relationship God expects us to have with him when we become a brother or sister of His Son. We must remember them throughout our lives, being conscious of the way so many of the people of Israel failed to be conscious of them when they faced challenges in the wilderness.  May the Lord bless and keep all of us who travel in faith through the increasingly barren wilderness of life today.
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- DC