Matthew 1
Chapter 1 traces the genealogy of Jesus Christ in verses 1-17. Matthew begins by saying Jesus is the rightful Heir to the throne of Israel both racially and royally (v.1).
Racially, He is the Son of Abraham (Ge 22:18) and royally, He is the Son of David (Luke 20:41, Matthew 22:42). Though He was not the immediate Son of either, He descended from both.
The Truth
“And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” (Matthew 1:16)
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Value And Redemption
Leviticus 27:2-3
“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, when a man makes a difficult vow, he shall be valued according to your valuation of persons belonging to the Lord. If your valuation is of the male from twenty years even to sixty years old, then your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary.”
Here the Lord describes how anyone, who vowed to devote himself/herself to His service, but was unable to keep his vow (due to a change of heart, a physical disqualification, or because he was not needed) was to pay a price of redemption. The price was not based upon the value he/she held in God’s eyes, but upon how much work he was able to do.
Today, making a vow to God is still serious and should be followed through with, even if it was done in hast, in a panic or as a cry for help. We should never just leave it unredeemed, even if we are unable, or unwilling at the moment to follow through with it. Jon Courson writes, "One can still redeem the situation by supporting those who are called, those who are able and truly willing to serve."
The Truth
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed, better not to vow than to vow and not pay.” (Ecclesiastes 5:3-4)
“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, when a man makes a difficult vow, he shall be valued according to your valuation of persons belonging to the Lord. If your valuation is of the male from twenty years even to sixty years old, then your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary.”
Here the Lord describes how anyone, who vowed to devote himself/herself to His service, but was unable to keep his vow (due to a change of heart, a physical disqualification, or because he was not needed) was to pay a price of redemption. The price was not based upon the value he/she held in God’s eyes, but upon how much work he was able to do.
Today, making a vow to God is still serious and should be followed through with, even if it was done in hast, in a panic or as a cry for help. We should never just leave it unredeemed, even if we are unable, or unwilling at the moment to follow through with it. Jon Courson writes, "One can still redeem the situation by supporting those who are called, those who are able and truly willing to serve."
The Truth
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed, better not to vow than to vow and not pay.” (Ecclesiastes 5:3-4)
Monday, November 23, 2015
Prosperity Or Judgment
Leviticus 26
“If you walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” (Leviticus 26:3-4)
This chapter contains a conditional promise, a covenant of national prosperity to the nation of Israel, “if” they walk in His statutes. As long as Israel maintained a national regard to God's worship, statutes and commandments and did not turn aside to idolatry, the Lord continue to make good on His great and precious promises to their nation.
Back in chapter 25 the Lord told Moses, “Wherefore ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and ye shall dwell in the land in safety. And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell there in safety.” (v.18-19)
However the flip side to this is God’s judgment on the nation if they choose not to follow His statues and break His covenant. Judgment would then fall on the nation (v.15-39) until they recognize their sin and repented. Then God would remember His covenant and restore them once again. (v. 40-46)
Make no mistake, the laws of God are absolute. When violated, the consequences are inevitable for both individuals and nations. If we walk in them, we are blessed. If we wonder from them, there are consequences.
The Truth
“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:15-17)
“If you walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” (Leviticus 26:3-4)
This chapter contains a conditional promise, a covenant of national prosperity to the nation of Israel, “if” they walk in His statutes. As long as Israel maintained a national regard to God's worship, statutes and commandments and did not turn aside to idolatry, the Lord continue to make good on His great and precious promises to their nation.
Back in chapter 25 the Lord told Moses, “Wherefore ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and ye shall dwell in the land in safety. And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell there in safety.” (v.18-19)
However the flip side to this is God’s judgment on the nation if they choose not to follow His statues and break His covenant. Judgment would then fall on the nation (v.15-39) until they recognize their sin and repented. Then God would remember His covenant and restore them once again. (v. 40-46)
Make no mistake, the laws of God are absolute. When violated, the consequences are inevitable for both individuals and nations. If we walk in them, we are blessed. If we wonder from them, there are consequences.
The Truth
“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:15-17)
Sunday, November 22, 2015
So Others May Live
I recently saw the movie, The Guardian, with Kevin Costner. It was about the Coast Guard's Rescue Swimmer program. Their moto, "So Others May Live," describes the reason behind why they put their own lives in danger on every rescue. It is a selfless, sacraficial life these men have chosen, "So Others May Live."
Jesus Christ, our Guardian, chose to freely lay His life down on the cross so, "All might live." This selfless, sacraficial act defined the reason for His life as well, "To die for our sins, that we might not perrish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
The Truth
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
Jesus Christ, our Guardian, chose to freely lay His life down on the cross so, "All might live." This selfless, sacraficial act defined the reason for His life as well, "To die for our sins, that we might not perrish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
The Truth
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
Saturday, November 21, 2015
The Jubilee
Leviticus 25:8-23
“And you shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee to you; and you shall return every man to his possession, and you shall return every man to his family.” (Lev. 25:10)
Simply put, once every fifty years universal liberty was proclaimed in the land belonging to Israel. All prisoners and captives obtained their liberties, slaves were declared free, and debtors were absolved. The land, as on the sabbatic year, was neither sowed nor reaped, but allowed to enjoy with its inhabitants a sabbath rest; and its natural produce was the common property of all. Moreover, every inheritance throughout the land of Judea was restored to its original owner.
The liberty every man was born to (if sold or forfeited) should return at the year of jubilee. This was a forshadowing of the redemption by Christ from the slavery of sin and Satan, and of being brought again to the liberty of the children of God.
The Truth
“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (Rev.5:9)
“And you shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee to you; and you shall return every man to his possession, and you shall return every man to his family.” (Lev. 25:10)
Simply put, once every fifty years universal liberty was proclaimed in the land belonging to Israel. All prisoners and captives obtained their liberties, slaves were declared free, and debtors were absolved. The land, as on the sabbatic year, was neither sowed nor reaped, but allowed to enjoy with its inhabitants a sabbath rest; and its natural produce was the common property of all. Moreover, every inheritance throughout the land of Judea was restored to its original owner.
The liberty every man was born to (if sold or forfeited) should return at the year of jubilee. This was a forshadowing of the redemption by Christ from the slavery of sin and Satan, and of being brought again to the liberty of the children of God.
The Truth
“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (Rev.5:9)
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Keep The Light Shinning
Leviticus 24
“Command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.” (Lev.24:2)
The directions concerning the oil for the holy candlestick is significant in relationship to Israel’s worship of God. The command given to the children of Israel to bring pure oil, relates to an offering on the part of the congregation, a sacrificial gift, with which Israel was to serve the Lord continually.
This reminds us that our service to God needs to be a daily thing and not a Sunday thing, or a Christmas thing or an Easter thing. We need to set aside time every day to fuel up our lamps in His word and allow the Holy Spirit to speak deep into our hearts, that our light may shine brightly continually.
The Truth
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
“Command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.” (Lev.24:2)
The directions concerning the oil for the holy candlestick is significant in relationship to Israel’s worship of God. The command given to the children of Israel to bring pure oil, relates to an offering on the part of the congregation, a sacrificial gift, with which Israel was to serve the Lord continually.
This reminds us that our service to God needs to be a daily thing and not a Sunday thing, or a Christmas thing or an Easter thing. We need to set aside time every day to fuel up our lamps in His word and allow the Holy Spirit to speak deep into our hearts, that our light may shine brightly continually.
The Truth
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
The LORD's Appointed Times
Leviticus 23
Chapter 23 focuses on God’s appointed times. He is explicitly describing how He is to be worshiped in these festivals.
The appointed times of the Lord are important for many reasons. To begin with, they are part of a national system of “time-outs.” Together, they provide weekly, monthly, and yearly occasions to rest from the routines and common work of daily life, for reflection, celebration and worship.
They are sacred convocations that call the people of God together, not only to the temple, but also to the quiet shelter and simplicity of every home of the land. Here the elders would retell stories of Jewish life, its origins and God’s mighty works among them.
Communion is like that for us. We recall through the bread and the cup that: 1) we are all sinners in need of a Savior, and 2) we have been redeemed through His blood on the cross. Thank you LORD.
The Truth
“But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Chapter 23 focuses on God’s appointed times. He is explicitly describing how He is to be worshiped in these festivals.
The appointed times of the Lord are important for many reasons. To begin with, they are part of a national system of “time-outs.” Together, they provide weekly, monthly, and yearly occasions to rest from the routines and common work of daily life, for reflection, celebration and worship.
They are sacred convocations that call the people of God together, not only to the temple, but also to the quiet shelter and simplicity of every home of the land. Here the elders would retell stories of Jewish life, its origins and God’s mighty works among them.
Communion is like that for us. We recall through the bread and the cup that: 1) we are all sinners in need of a Savior, and 2) we have been redeemed through His blood on the cross. Thank you LORD.
The Truth
“But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
God's Holy Name
Leviticus 22
“Tell Aaron and his sons to be careful with the holy gifts of the sons of Israel, which they dedicate to Me, so as not to profane My holy name; I am the Lord.” (Lev.22:2)
Today’s reading (Ch.22) gives commands regarding proper behavior for not only the Jewish priests in honoring God’s name, but for us as well. As all believers are now considered priests/ministers of the good news, we all need to make sure our actions and attitudes give the honor due His holy name.
After reading the chapter one might ask, “What attitudes and actions could be considered improper or dishonoring to Him today? Here are a few examples for your consideration:
1) We need to be careful, not to go through the motions of worship or prayer. Focus on Him, the one who is worthy.
2)We need to be careful, not to do something in His name out of obligation or grudgingly, for He came to serve and freely demonstrated His love towards us, by giving His life for us.
3)We are to be careful, in the giving of our tithes/offerings and gifts, so they are given with a cheerful, willing heart. Remembering what He gave for us.
The Truth
“Exalt the LORD our God, And worship at His footstool—He is holy.” (Psalm 99:5)
“Tell Aaron and his sons to be careful with the holy gifts of the sons of Israel, which they dedicate to Me, so as not to profane My holy name; I am the Lord.” (Lev.22:2)
Today’s reading (Ch.22) gives commands regarding proper behavior for not only the Jewish priests in honoring God’s name, but for us as well. As all believers are now considered priests/ministers of the good news, we all need to make sure our actions and attitudes give the honor due His holy name.
After reading the chapter one might ask, “What attitudes and actions could be considered improper or dishonoring to Him today? Here are a few examples for your consideration:
1) We need to be careful, not to go through the motions of worship or prayer. Focus on Him, the one who is worthy.
2)We need to be careful, not to do something in His name out of obligation or grudgingly, for He came to serve and freely demonstrated His love towards us, by giving His life for us.
3)We are to be careful, in the giving of our tithes/offerings and gifts, so they are given with a cheerful, willing heart. Remembering what He gave for us.
The Truth
“Exalt the LORD our God, And worship at His footstool—He is holy.” (Psalm 99:5)
Monday, November 16, 2015
Holiness Of The Priests
Leviticus 21
“They shall be holy to their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.” (Lev.21:6)
Christian leaders are accountable to God. That is why the qualifications for pastors and elders in the New Testament are so stringent and also why it’s insisted upon in Leviticus that priests stay morally and ceremonially clean. If they were unclean in any way, they could not be permitted to continue serving in their priestly role and offering daily sacrifices.
The old covenant, unlike the new, was dependent upon the priests to represent the nation to God. The priests were not perfect, sinless men. They had to offer sacrifices on their own behalf, needing atonement just as much as any other member of the community.
Today, if you have the responsibilities for Bible teaching or any other type of spiritual leadership, your example means a lot. Live the words that you proclaim. There is integrity to be found not just in what you say, what you do. While you’re not expected to be perfect, it’s still a sobering truth that you’ll be judged more strictly.
Therefore, come before the Lord in prayer before you represent Him to the people and ask Him to purify, cleanse and go before you. Thank you one and all for your courage to be in leadership.
The Truth
“For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.” (Jer.10:21)
“They shall be holy to their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.” (Lev.21:6)
Christian leaders are accountable to God. That is why the qualifications for pastors and elders in the New Testament are so stringent and also why it’s insisted upon in Leviticus that priests stay morally and ceremonially clean. If they were unclean in any way, they could not be permitted to continue serving in their priestly role and offering daily sacrifices.
The old covenant, unlike the new, was dependent upon the priests to represent the nation to God. The priests were not perfect, sinless men. They had to offer sacrifices on their own behalf, needing atonement just as much as any other member of the community.
Today, if you have the responsibilities for Bible teaching or any other type of spiritual leadership, your example means a lot. Live the words that you proclaim. There is integrity to be found not just in what you say, what you do. While you’re not expected to be perfect, it’s still a sobering truth that you’ll be judged more strictly.
Therefore, come before the Lord in prayer before you represent Him to the people and ask Him to purify, cleanse and go before you. Thank you one and all for your courage to be in leadership.
The Truth
“For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.” (Jer.10:21)
Friday, November 13, 2015
Consecrate Yourselves
Leviticus 20:7
“You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.”
Trying to practice holiness without a saving relationship with Christ is self-serving at best. Many well-meaning people have tried to manufacture holiness but the Bible is clear that holiness (the state of being dedicated to or set apart for God) is not a matter of human effort. God emphasized that to Israel by one of His names, "The LORD, who makes you holy.”
The Israelites were holy not because they were better than everybody else, but because God chose them and set them apart for Himself. God gave Israel His holy law and commanded the people to obey Him, separating themselves from the sins of the pagan nations around them. It took Christ's death on the cross to pay the debt of sin and allow God to declare sinners holy when they put their faith in His Son for salvation.
Holiness is what God wants and expects from us. Holiness is a reflection of God's character, and He wants His children to look like Him.
The Truth
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
“You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.”
Trying to practice holiness without a saving relationship with Christ is self-serving at best. Many well-meaning people have tried to manufacture holiness but the Bible is clear that holiness (the state of being dedicated to or set apart for God) is not a matter of human effort. God emphasized that to Israel by one of His names, "The LORD, who makes you holy.”
The Israelites were holy not because they were better than everybody else, but because God chose them and set them apart for Himself. God gave Israel His holy law and commanded the people to obey Him, separating themselves from the sins of the pagan nations around them. It took Christ's death on the cross to pay the debt of sin and allow God to declare sinners holy when they put their faith in His Son for salvation.
Holiness is what God wants and expects from us. Holiness is a reflection of God's character, and He wants His children to look like Him.
The Truth
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
Sunday, November 8, 2015
The Day Of Atonement
Leviticus 16:34
"This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel, for all their sins, once a year"
This chapter contains the instructions given concerning the observance of the Day of Atonement. This was in many ways the greatest day in the religious year of the Hebrew people, for this was the most important religious rite in the whole economy. On that day, the High Priest entered into the Holy of Holies and made atonement (blood of a bullock) for himself and his family before that of the people. Once he was cleansed, the Sin offering for the people was made consisting of two goats.
The one on which the lot of the Lord fell was slain as a Sin offering, and the High Priest entered into the Holy of Holies, sprinkling its blood on the Mercy-Seat and before the Mercy-Seat seven times, as he had done with the blood of the bullock.
The other goat was the scapegoat, and over its head Aaron confessed the sins of all the people, putting them upon the head of the goat, and sent it away by the hand of a ''fit man'' into the wilderness. ''Behold the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world''; ''The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (1 John 1:29; Isa 53:6)
Jesus Christ became our sacrificial lamb that we (the scapegoat) might be set free from our sin. His death is the new covenant's answer to the Day of Atonement under the old covenant.
The Truth
“All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)
"This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel, for all their sins, once a year"
This chapter contains the instructions given concerning the observance of the Day of Atonement. This was in many ways the greatest day in the religious year of the Hebrew people, for this was the most important religious rite in the whole economy. On that day, the High Priest entered into the Holy of Holies and made atonement (blood of a bullock) for himself and his family before that of the people. Once he was cleansed, the Sin offering for the people was made consisting of two goats.
The one on which the lot of the Lord fell was slain as a Sin offering, and the High Priest entered into the Holy of Holies, sprinkling its blood on the Mercy-Seat and before the Mercy-Seat seven times, as he had done with the blood of the bullock.
The other goat was the scapegoat, and over its head Aaron confessed the sins of all the people, putting them upon the head of the goat, and sent it away by the hand of a ''fit man'' into the wilderness. ''Behold the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world''; ''The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (1 John 1:29; Isa 53:6)
Jesus Christ became our sacrificial lamb that we (the scapegoat) might be set free from our sin. His death is the new covenant's answer to the Day of Atonement under the old covenant.
The Truth
“All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Purify Your Surroundings
Leviticus 14:45
“He shall therefore tear down the house, its stones, and its timbers, and all the plaster of the house, and he shall take them outside the city to an unclean place.”
A house may be infected with many forms of disease and must either be cleansed completely or destroyed. No property rights are superior to the rights of the health of a community.
This same reasoning can apply to a leprous sin in our lives. Whatever in our life that has been associated with and contaminated by the leprosy of sin, must be destroyed without compromise or pity. Our lives must be cleansed completely – nothing left.
How often, when this is not done, do those who have known personal deliverance from a sin, become infected again! Old haunts, old associations can return if not destroyed and one may become infected again, even worse.
Just as Jesus was willing to cure men and women from the disease of leprosy in His day, so He is willing to wash you clean from yours today.
The Truth
“And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” (Matthew 8:2-3)
“He shall therefore tear down the house, its stones, and its timbers, and all the plaster of the house, and he shall take them outside the city to an unclean place.”
A house may be infected with many forms of disease and must either be cleansed completely or destroyed. No property rights are superior to the rights of the health of a community.
This same reasoning can apply to a leprous sin in our lives. Whatever in our life that has been associated with and contaminated by the leprosy of sin, must be destroyed without compromise or pity. Our lives must be cleansed completely – nothing left.
How often, when this is not done, do those who have known personal deliverance from a sin, become infected again! Old haunts, old associations can return if not destroyed and one may become infected again, even worse.
Just as Jesus was willing to cure men and women from the disease of leprosy in His day, so He is willing to wash you clean from yours today.
The Truth
“And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” (Matthew 8:2-3)
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