Luke 10 "Be A Good Samaritan"

"But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.” (v.33-34)

The story of “The Good Samaritan” always blesses me whenever I read it. A Samaritan, a vowed enemy of the Jew, felt compelled to care for his fellow man and see to his provision until healed. 

We’ve all probably been on both sides of this story at one time or another, and in both situations we end up feeling blessed because of the love expressed. However, have you ever been the passer by? The one who kept going and did not stop to help? 

This passage also convicts me because I have passed by those in need; sometimes because I’m in a hurry, “Someone else will help them”, or I see them on a cell phone so, “Help is coming”, or “I’m not going to give that person any money, he’ll just spend it on booze.” 

While we can’t help everyone in every situation of need, I believe we can to be a good neighbor to those God puts directly into our path. It may come in the form of a hug or a shoulder, a ride or a car, a room or a home. You cannot touch your neighbor’s heart with anything less than your own. Therefore, as Jesus said to the young lawyer at the end of this story, “Go and do likewise.” Be that good Samaritan.

The Truth: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

Luke 9 “Don’t Look Back”

No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (v.62)

The basic lesson here is about the cost of discipleship, and the priorities needed to do it, live it, and not look back. Remember Lot’s wife! There can be nothing halfway about it–it’s all or nothing. Following Jesus must be an all consuming priority and passion, or it’s not really following at all. Three brief encounters Jesus had with unnamed individuals here in chapter 9 illustrate this principle.

The first person Jesus came across here in chapter 9 boldly announced his willingness to follow Him, "wherever He went" (v.57). But, when Jesus questioned the depth of his commitment, could he handle being homeless, was he ready for hardship? Evidently the cost was too great, for we never hear of him again.

The second person who was invited to follow, hedged on his commitment. His answer indicated he wanted to wait until after his father died to follow Jesus (v.59), delaying the call of God on His life due to parental obligations. 

Finally a third person indicated he was willing to follow, but wanted to discuss it with his family first (v.61). To him Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back, is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (v.62). 

People will always have reasons not to follow through with their commitment to Christ. They feel the tug at their heart, but put it off until “they” are ready. The problem usually then becomes, they are never ready. For something else will inevitably come up causing them to turn their head away from God’s desire to work in there life.

I pray that if you're wrestling with the cost of discipleship, that you find the strength to step out and commit to His call upon your life. You will never regret it. And like Paul, become a man or woman who presses on.

The Truth: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have been apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

Luke 8 "Where Is Your Faith?"

“Now it came to pass on a certain day, that He went into a ship with His disciples: and He said unto them, 'Let us go over unto the other side of the lake.' And they launched forth. But as they sailed He fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then He arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And He said unto them, Where is your faith? And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (v.22-25)

With these words, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake," Jesus made a promise to His disciples. He didn’t say, “Let us perish in the middle of the Sea of Galilee.” He promised His disciples that they would cross over to the other side of the lake.

One of the reoccurring themes of Pastor Chuck Smiths’ ministry was, “Where God guides, God will provide.” Meaning, if God is truly calling you to do something He will provide the means to get it done. No worries, even when things are not going perfect, just step out in faith and watch God work.

This story however shows that His disciples were much like us when it came to the testing of their faith. For even though; 1) Christ ordered His disciples to put to sea, 2) He entered the ship with them, 3) He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side”, and 4) He fell asleep during the storm - His disciples lost faith, even feared for their lives with Christ right beside them during their trial.  The total calm of the sea should have filled them with peace, but instead, they were just as afraid when He calmed the storm as when they were in the midst of the storm.

We are not promised an easy life as a Christian, in fact just the opposite. But during the trials, the testing of our souls, our true faith is revealed. And when the storm has passed and we are safely on the other side, we are to give Christ the glory due to His power and provision in our lives. For there is none like HIM.

The Truth: "O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty like You, O LORD? Your faithfulness surrounds You. You rule the raging of the sea; when waves rise, You still them." (Psalm 89:8-9)

Luke 7 "Are You The Coming One?"

When John’s disciples came to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, to ask, Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else? ” (v.19)

After John the Baptist had been imprisoned, he heard reports from his disciples that Jesus’ popularity was growing and His message about the a new kingdom was spreading. Though John had long ago recognized that, "one would come who’s sandels he was unworthy to latch," he sent for conformation.

Jesus’ response is a comforting model for us to use. Instead of discounting the doubt or criticizing John, Jesus pointed to the miracles He was doing. As eyewitnesses, John’s disciples could return with vivid assurances for their mentor. But He did more than that. He used words and phrases (v.22) drawn from Isaiah’s prophecies of the coming Messiah (Isa.35:4-6; 61:1) which were certain to be familiar to John. Then, turning to the crowd, Jesus praised John (Luke 7:24-28) removing any doubt that He was offended by John’s need for reassurance after all he had seen (Matt. 3:13-17).

Questioning and doubting are both natural and understandable human responses, but they provide opportunities for us to remind, reassure, and comfort those who are shaken by uncertainty. The Easter season is a time of year when many are looking for answers. May we share the love of Jesus and His message of forgiveness with them, and provide His comfort to all who doubt.

The Truth: “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19)

Luke 6 “Good Treasure”

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (v.45)

Here in chapter 6, Jesus, after spending a night in prayer considering whom He would choose among His many discipiles to be His apostles, begins to teach the chosen many things. Of all the lessons He taught them in our text, a tree known by its fruit spoke clearly to me. 

This parable goes far beyond fruit trees, for we ourselves are known by certain identifying characteristics. May we desire to be one who is known for the good treasure of his heart bringing forth good. And that our mouths be known for blessing, and not emotional outbursts.  

LORD, help us all to store up good treasure in our hearts in order to bless others and glorify Your name. Amen. 

The Truth: “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:2) 

Luke 5 “A Call To Repentance”

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (v.32)

Here in chapter 5 Jesus was asked the question, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” His answer, “ Those who are well have no need of a Physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (v.30-32)

Jesus ate and drank with publicans and sinners simply because of their need for Him and His purpose to seek and save the lost. Others like the Scribes and Pharisees who were righteous in their own sight, trusted in themselves, and submitted not to the righteousness of Christ,  and had in their own view no need for Him. Therefore, He spent time with those who did.

Jesus stills calls sinners to repentance today through the power of His Spirit and His Word. His desire is that, "None should perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9), even those who would would reject Him. For our Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with everyone (2 Peter 3:9), giving all time to repent.

His grace is waiting for all who seek His face. 

The Truth
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Luke 4 “The Temptation of Christ”

"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil." (v.1)

Here in chapter 4 Satan had but one goal, to bring Jesus to sin against God. Three times Satan tempts Jesus with the desires of the physical and material realm, all within his power to provide. And, three times Jesus answered with, “it is written.” What made Satan give up (that day) on his tempting of Christ was not only the verbal quoting of scripture, but His commitment to living it out. You see, Satan himself could quote scripture but he had no intention of living by it, Jesus however did.

Today Satan’s goal remains the same, to get people to compromise on their beliefs and sin against God. We are all in a constant battle against his deliberate and subtle attacks and can’t win in our own strength. The true power in overcoming temptation lies in: 1) the submission to God’s Word and 2) in the commitment to live by it. May God give us the discipline to do both when temptation comes our way.

The Truth: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16) 

Luke 3 “Jesus Bsptized”

When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” (v. 21-22)

Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist marked the beginning of His public ministry. We might legitimately wonder why Jesus was baptized. He had no sins to confess and no need for repentance. But by allowing John to baptize Him, He identified Himself with John’s ministry and message of repentance and forgiveness. Indeed, these would be the themes at the heart of His own ministry and of the gospel.

In addition, this event was recognized and approved by the other two members of the Trinity: “The Holy Spirit descending on Him in bodily form like a dove, and God’s voice from heaven saying: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased’” (v. 22).

Thus, as a Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ, we too should be baptized. This will identify us with Him (through His death, burial, and resurrection) and show others we identify with His message of repentance and forgiveness.

The Truth
“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)

Luke 2 "Submission"

"And He went down with them (Mary and Joseph), and came to Nazareth, and was subject into them: but his mother kept all these things in her heart.” (v.51)

Luke 2 is best known for the written record of the birth of Jesus. How Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem, and all the events that followed the birth of the Christ child (vv.4-38). Scripture then tells us that, "when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth" (v.39). Noting more is said about Jesus expect that, "The child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him" (v.40).

Then, when Jesus was twelve years old His story picks up again when his family had traveled from their home in the city of Nazareth, back to Jerusalem (as was their custom) for the feast of Passover (v.41). Once Passover was completed, they (Mary and Joseph) started the journey back to Nazareth thinking Jesus was traveling in the company of those returning - they did not realize He was still in Jerusalem (v.43). When they could not find him among the group traveling back to Nazareth, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him (v.45). After three days of “sorrowful searching” they found him in the temple listening, asking and answering questions of the Rabbis – all that heard Him were amazed, even his mother and father (v.46-48).

Now comes the question from his mother, “Son, why have you dealt with us this way? We were worried about you (v.48). Jesus said, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know I must be about my Father’s business?” (v.49) This brings us to a point, a line drawn in the sand. Is Jesus going to stay and continue in His calling or, will He submit to his earthly father, who has less understanding of the big picture and His purpose in life (at this point), and return to Nazareth.

Submission is not about how much one knows but how mature one is. Clearly Jesus, even at the age of twelve, knew infinitely more than Mary and Joseph and could have easily stood firm and not returned. However, His maturity in His future allowed Him to return with His earthly parents. Submission is something He would continue to do His entire life at the will of His Heavenly Father, even to the death of the cross. We would all do well to take His humble example to heart. 

The Truth: “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

Luke 1 "A Certain Future"

 In today’s passage, we see two sets of parents who could look ahead into the future and predict what would happen with their children: Zechariah and Elizabeth and Joseph and Mary.

Both sets of parents were; given a child through miraculous and supernatural means, told what to name their child, and both couples were told the future role for their child. Imagine a child growing in your womb and already knowing the major role he would play in the salvation of the world!

Zechariah and Elizabeth were told their son (John the Baptist), would become a deliverer of light to a dark world: “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High” (v.76). He would also be given a special task: to prepare the way of the Lord—to go before Jesus and prepare people for the Messiah, giving them  “the knowledge of salvation” (v.77) and would baptize and teach the forgiveness of sins.

Joseph and Mary were told of their son Jesus, “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (v.32-33). 

The prophetic voice of the Lord had been silent for 400 years. And now here in chapter 1 of Luke's gospel, God speaks through Gabriel (Luke 1:13, 1:28), through Elizabeth (Luke 1:41-42), through Mary (Luke 1:46-55), and through Zacharias - connecting the theme of Jesus and His work. Such an amazing prophetic word centering around these two women related to each other. Each given a child of miraculous birth and foretold by the Angel Gabriel. Each would raise their children knowing they had a certain destiny to fulfill in God’s plan for His people. 

While we do not have the same luxury of knowing the future of our children, we can rest assured that God does and is working out His plan for them. As parents all we can do is our best, then commit the rest to God.  

The Truth: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Leviticus 27 "The Payment of Tithes"

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s. It is holy to the LORD. If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-fifth to it. And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the LORD. He shall not inquire whether it is good or bad, nor shall he exchange it; and if he exchanges it at all, then both it and the one exchanged for it shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.’” (vv.30-33) 

The final chapter of Leviticus speaks to things consecrated (given or vowed) to God. Here in our text the word tithe simply means “the tenth” or “ten percent.” Israel gave ten percent of their flocks, of their grain, and of their fruit to God. This tithe, the ten percent, was sacred and separated unto God (It is holy to the LORD). The concept of a tithe was not a new one for the Israelites, since we observe the practice before the giving of the Law (Genesis 14:20; 28:20-22). Thus what we have in Leviticus 27 is a systematization of an earlier practice.

Under Old Testament law, if a man wanted to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-fifth to it, "Whatever passes under the rod." According to Jewish commentators, this expression is an allusion to the way in which animals were selected for the tithe. The animals were counted as they passed single file under the staff of the herdsman. Every tenth animal was marked with a red colored stick, to show that it had been chosen for the tithe.

While the New Testament does not command or emphasize tithing, it presents giving as a duty for God’s people and does not speak negatively of tithing. Jesus approved of the careful tithing of the religious leaders of His day (Luke 11:42) while rebuking them for what they left undone. Abraham was praised when he gave Melchizedek a tithe of all (Hebrews 7:4-10). The New Testament does give many principles for the giving of believers under the New Covenant. Because the New Testament emphasis is on giving more than tithing, there is no one answer to the question, “How much am I supposed to give?” 

Scripture does tells us to be cheerful in our giving. To purpose in our hearts what we should give to God and not to do it grudgingly. Yet at the same time it admonishes us to be generous with what we have been given. The key comes in listening to the Spirit and allowing Him to direct your heart in that area.

The Truth: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."(Luke 6:38) 

Leviticus 26 "Blessings or Curses"

“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. Your threshing shall last till the time of vintage, and the vintage shall last till the time of sowing; you shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land. You will chase your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you. Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you.” (Leviticus 26:3-8)

The principle behind that particular blessing is remarkable; the ratio of five to one hundred is one routing twenty, but the ratio of one hundred to ten thousand is one routing one hundred. Gideon’s 300 defeated 135,000 Midianites; Jonathan and his armorbearer alone defeated a Philistine army. In 2 Kings 7, God sent the sound of a mighty army to the camp of the Syrians laying siege to the city of Samaria (2 Kings 7:6-7). From that story, you could say that God used four men (lepers!) to defeat a Syrian army of many thousands.

‘But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, I also will do this to you: I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you.' (vv.14-17)

Here begins the section where God promises to curse a disobedient Israel. To fail to obeyGod and to observeHis commandments is to despiseHis word and to abhorHis word (statutes, judgments). For Israel, it was to break the covenant they made with Yahweh (Exodus 24:1-8). The section on curses is twice as long as the section on blessings. This speaks to human nature, which is more motivated by the fear of threats than by the promises of blessing. God promised to bring a sense of terror over a disobedient Israel. They would be afflicted with wasting disease and fever. Because God would set His face against them, they would be defeated in battle. They would be so confused and afraid that they would flee when no one pursues.

God was determined to reveal Himself to the world through Israel, either by making them so blessed, the world would know only God could have blessed them so; or by making them so cursed, that only God could have cursed them and yet cause them to still survive. The choice was up to Israel. 

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)

Leviticus 25 "The Jubilee"

‘And you shall count seven sabbaths of years for yourself, seven times seven years; and the time of the seven sabbaths of years shall be to you forty-nine years. Then you shall cause the trumpet of the Jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall make the trumpet to sound throughout all your land. And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you; and each of you shall return to his possession, and each of you shall return to his family. That fiftieth year shall be a Jubilee to you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of its own accord, nor gather the grapes of your untended vine. For it is the Jubilee; it shall be holy to you; you shall eat its produce from the field. (vv.8-12)

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. This meant that no family would be forever without land. Every fifty years, every family would have the opportunity to start again.

The liberty every man was born to (if sold or forfeited) should return at the year of jubilee. This was a foreshadowing 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. Today, some of the principles of the Year of Jubilee would be a blessing for modern society, such as a system of the cancellation of debts every fifty years. However, since God did not assign land for modern people across the globe as He did for Israel in Joshua 13-21, we can’t take every principle of a Jubilee and apply it to the modern world.

What I take away from this in terms of application fro today is, If we obey God – even when it doesn’t make sense – we can trust He will provide our every need. If we seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, all those practical things will be provided (Matthew 6:33). And in that we can rejoice.

The Truth: “And they sang a new song, saying, You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals: for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (Rev.5:9)

Leviticus 24 "Keep The Light Burning"

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: “Command the children of Israel that they bring to you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to make the lamps burn continually. Outside the veil of the Testimony, in the tabernacle of meeting, Aaron shall be in charge of it from evening until morning before the LORD continually; it shall be a statute forever in your generations. He shall be in charge of the lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD continually. (vv.1-4)

The lamps in the tabernacle – standing on the solid gold lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40) – were the only source of light for the tabernacle. These lamps had to be constantly cared for, supplied with pure olive oil and their wicks trimmed. This care made the lamps burn continually. The command here 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. 

It was important that the light from the oil lamps shined continually. God did not want His tabernacle to be left in darkness. And the continual light of the tabernacle pointed to the coming Messiah. Jesus never stopped being the light of the world (John 8:12). In a sense, we also are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). “As the candle in the hand of the housewife, who sweeps her house diligently; as a lamp in the hand of the virgin expecting the bridegroom; or as a lighthouse on a rocky coast.” (F.B. Meyer)

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)

Leviticus 23 "The Lord's Appointed Times"

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts." (vv.1-2)

Chapter 23 focuses on God’s appointed times of "The feasts of the LORD." Here Jehovah 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. 

The major theme in all these feasts is gratitude for what God has done and what God continues to give;  Special “displays of the mercy, kindness, and providential care. There was no place for the ungrateful, unloving, unbelieving, or disobedient heart. For God had delivered them from it all and the curse which went along with it. 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. 

The prophetic significance of the seven feasts of Leviticus 23 are very interesting. As a group, the first four feasts (vv.4-21) point to the work of Jesus in His first coming – His earthly ministry as recorded in the New Testament accounts. The feast of Passover clearly points to Jesus as our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7). He was the Lamb of God who was sacrificed, and whose blood was received and applied, so the wrath of God would pass us over. The feast of Unleavened Bread points to the time of Jesus’ burial, after His perfect, sinless sacrifice on the cross. In this time Jesus was received by God the Father as holy and complete (the Holy One who would not see corruption, Acts 2:27), perfectly accomplishing our salvation. The feast of Firstfruits points to the resurrection of Jesus, who was the first human to receive resurrection, never to die again. He is the firstborn from the dead (Colossians 1:18) and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep…. Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23) And finally The feast of Pentecost points to the birth of the Church and the harvest of souls that came from it (Acts 2). Significantly, in the ritual at the feast of Pentecost, two leavened loaves of bread were waved as a holy offering to God, speaking of the bringing of “leavened” Gentiles into the church.

The last three feasts (vv.23-44) point to the events associated with the second coming of Jesus. The feast of Trumpets points us to the ultimate holy convocation of God’s people at the sound of a trumpet – the rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). It also points to God’s gathering of Israel for His special purpose in the last days. The Day of Atonement not only points to the ultimate perfect atonement Jesus offered on our behalf, but also of the affliction – and salvation – Israel will see during the Great Tribulation. It will truly be a time when the soul of Israel is afflicted, but for their ultimate salvation. Jeremiah 30:7 says regarding that period: Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it, and it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it. And finally, The feast of Tabernacles points to the millennial rest and comfort of God for Israel and all of God’s people. From its beginning to its end, it is all about peace and rest. The Feast of Tabernacles is specifically said to be celebrated during the millennium (Zechariah 14:16-19).

For this reason, some suggest that it would be consistent for God to gather His people to Himself on the day of the feast of trumpets, the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah. This event is described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and is commonly called, "the rapture of the church." However scripture clearly tells us that, "No man shall know the day or the hour of His return," only God Himself (His appointed time).

The Truth: The Lord of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.” (Isaiah 14:24)

Leviticus 22 "God's Holy Name"

“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.

We need to be careful, not to go through the motions of worship or prayer. Focus on Him, the one who is worthy. Second, we need to be careful not to do something in His name out of obligation or grudgingly. He came to serve and freely demonstrated His love towards us by giving His life for us. Should we not freely give our service to Him out of love as well? And finally, 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)

Leviticus 21 "The Holiness of The Priest"

“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)

Leviticus 20 “Consecrate Yourselves”

 You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.” (V.7)

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)

Leviticus 19 "Be Holy"

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” (vv.1-2)

The idea behind the word holy is “separate.” As it is applied to God, it describes God’s apartness. It means that God is different than man and from all others; different in His being, different in the greatness and majesty of His attributes. He has a righteousness unlike any other; a justice unlike any other; a purity unlike any other – and love, grace, and mercy unlike any other.

God is separate from man and from all creation. Yet because humans are made in the image of God, they can follow in His steps and also be holy. In this context, Israel was to be different; separate from the nations and the peoples around them. To be holy means to be more like God, our separation unto Him and His truth – and naturally, separating ourselves from those things that are not like Him and not according to His truth.

Man being made in the image of God is expected to reflect the divine likeness in a number of ways, including ethical standards like these - not stealing, cheating, defrauding, lying, judging falsely, cursing – just to mention a few listed in the chapter. To claim to be a Christian, is a claim to be Christ like. To be Christ like we cannot be unethical. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard and represent God and the truth concerning Him to all people.

The Truth: “But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Leviticus 18 "Unlawful Sexual Relations"

“Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled.” (v.24)

Notice that "do not defile" is not a suggestion, but a commandment. A commandment not to destroy our joy of life, but given that we might enjoy true life, as God intended it to be lived. The commands of chapter 18 weren't just “Old Testament only” restrictions reserved for Israel alone to set them apart. No, they were meant for us as well. God repeatedly called the acts listed here (vv.6-23) as, detestable or an abomination. 

Our modern culture often refuses to see any aspect of sexual conduct as defiling. The only measure is immediate pleasure, not right or wrong. But sexual sin does defile us, and it does harm us. God’s laws are given for our best, not in an attempt to merely test us or boss us around. One of the reasons God brought Israel to defeat and displace the Canaanites was as a judgment against their sexual perversions. If Israel practiced the same sins to the same degree, they could also expect to be cast out of the land. 

In nations that celebrate and promote similar sins today, we should expect that the judgment of God would eventually come, and "the land will vomit out its inhabitants" (v.25). God also commanded that in Israel, "Everyone one who does any of these detestable things must be cut off from their people" (v.29).

However, we are not called to be executors of God's wrath. We are followers of Christ, who was sent to save the world, not to judge it (John 3:17). And if Jesus (who is blameless in every way) was not on a mission of judgment, how can we (who still wrestle with our own sin) accuse anyone? We are to speak the truth in love when moved by His Spirit and pray for for those in need, remembering from where we were called - out of darkness and into His light.

The Truth: “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believes on Him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:17-18)