March 6th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Numbers 6:1-7:89 ~ Mark 12:38-13:13
Psalm 49:1-20 ~ Proverbs 10:27-28

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 6 we read about the Nazirite laws.  The Nazirite vows could be taken for as little as 30 days or as long as a lifetime.  It was voluntary - except parents could take the vow for their children, making them Nazirites for life.  Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist are all thought to have been Nazirites for life.  More info on the Nazirites is at this link.  Below is a painting by C.E. Brock of Samson and the lion from Judges 14:6 -

Today in Numbers chapter 6 verses 22-27 we will read the well known “Aaronic Blessing”, which I’ve underlined in the verses (and is in the image below) – “The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." "So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them."” How does this blessing speak to you today? Have you heard this blessing prayed aloud before? Can you imagine this ancient blessing that has been prayed innumerable times in history being prayed over you today? Take a few moments to really meditate upon the 3 sections of the blessing. Do you notice that each section begins with God’s name? Do you believe that God can indeed bless you and keep you (favor & protect you)? That he can indeed make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you (be pleased & be merciful and compassionate to you)? And do you believe that God can indeed turn his face toward you and give you peace (give approval & peace to you)? It is also of note that this blessing “put God’s name on the Israelites and they were blessed.” Do you believe that God’s name is upon you today? Do you want God’s name to be upon you today?

Chapter 7 is the longest chapter in the book of Numbers, and certainly an amazing one.  It is awesome to read about the presentation of offerings for the dedication of the altar over 12 days.  At the end of this chapter we read in verse 89 - "Whenever Moses went into the Tabernacle to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the Ark's cover--the place of atonement--that rests on the Ark of the Covenant. The LORD spoke to him from there."

New Testament - In Mark chapter 12 verses 41 through 43 today we read the powerful narrative of the Widow's Mite - "Jesus went over to the collection box in the Temple and sat and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two pennies. He called his disciples to him and said, "I assure you, this poor widow has given more than all the others have given. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.""  How does this narrative speak to you?  When it comes to your time, treasure, and talents, do you give to God out of your surplus?  Or do you give to God all that you have?  What should we learn today from the widow about giving?

Psalms - Psalm 49 verses 1-3 are an awesome teaching that the Word of God, the Bible, is for everyone, no matter what our lots in life may be - "Listen to this, all you people! Pay attention, everyone in the world! High and low, rich and poor--listen! For my words are wise, and my thoughts are filled with insight." Are you listening today?  Are you paying attention to the wise words and insights of the Bible?  Are you truly studying the Bible and then applying the Bible's teachings to your life? 

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 10 verse 27 teaches us - "Fear of the LORD lengthens one's life, but the years of the wicked are cut short."

Comments from You & Question of the Day - Based on Proverbs 10:27 above, do you agree that fear of the Lord lengthens your life?  Why or why not?  Do you think fear of the Lord is a good thing?  Why or why not?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Grace,
Mike

Comments

[Anka]

Numbers7:9 But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because theirs was the service of the holy things, which they carried on their shoulders.
I couldn't help wondering why the sons of Kohath were given nothing...could it be that carrying the Holy things was a reward in itself...
Fearing the Lord is a constant prayer of mine...it helps me keep my raging thoughts in order,it helps me not rely on grace when my flesh wants to lead in into disobedience...or the sin of omission...it helps me keep in mind that my creator is not only to be loved but to be feared,it helps me come to terms with my worthlessness and foolishness without Christ which makes me value the sacrifice more often than just during easter.Maybe I'm kinda hoping fear will not make me take love for granted.
God bless you all

[Ramona]

Numbers 6:1-7:89

As I read today’s Old Testament passage, I thought how “expensive” it is to take the vow of a Nazarite and to submit oneself to undertake the symbolic “separation to God,” (6:5). The expense is in your time, your pocketbook and your emotions and “family” responsibility. In other words, to follow God and His Christ cost. This was not something one should be doing rashly.

I am reminded of the Words of Jesus,
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, and wife and children, and brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn't sit down first and compute the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? (Luke 14:26-28 NET.)

Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell everything he had and, “Come, follow me ….” (Matthew 10:21). Sometimes I wonder if, when we are actively trying to “win” others to Christ, we are like many unethical salesman, not dealing truthfully in what it cost to follow Christ. On the other hand, we may not be explaining our “product” carefully and rightfully because we ourselves really don’t know what we are selling because we have not considered the cost to ourselves, hmmm.

The offering for the dedication of the Tabernacle is very curious to me, all tribes gave the same thing no matter their size. Not only could no one say, they gave more than the others did; no one tribe gave less either because of their numbers. I believe the “fee” or tax for the Temple/Tabernacle was the same amount for everyone no matter the person’s financial status, and I think we had some comments about that from our previous readings. Interestingly enough for me this Old Testament reading kind of fits into the widow and her 2 pennies in the reading of the New.

I believe she feared God enough to understand that what she gave she was obligated to give so she gave out of her fear of God while others gave out of their “wealth,” not out of their fear of a Holy God.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

[Micah Girl]

I love the Aaronic blessing and frequently pray it over my children when I am tucking them in, or use it to close a worship service in prayer. It is so powerful and I love benedictions!

I thought that there was an interesting contrast in Mark between the teachers of the law who devour widows' houses and pray for show (reminding me of modern-day, lavish-living, tv personalities who have people send in their money all the time) with the simple widow who really gave to the work of the Lord, not under manipulation but out of simple obedience.

Also, I do indeed believe that "fear of the LORD lengthens one's life, but the years of the wicked are cut short." As I am growing in disciplines out of my fear of God my days themselves seem longer because I am wasting less time and am more in tune with God's will for me.

[Vance Brown]

Just want to share some very excellent encouragement and truth from my Sunday School class last Sunday. It does not fit within the readings. Yet, it was so good, I wanted to pass it on to you. Truth is reinforced in many different layers throughout God's Word.

~~~

In order to grow spiritually, at least three (3) elements have to be in place:
a.
make the choice to obey God's commands
b.
believing that with God's help we are capable of growth
c.
setting behavior and functional goals

HOW DO WE ESTABLISH BEHAVIORAL AND FUNCTIONAL GOALS?
I.
Develop habits that help us obtain spiritual growth --
decide to press into the Lord to obtain these qualities:
faith
goodness (moral excellence)
knowledge
self control
perseverance
godliness
brotherly kindness
AGAPE love
(2 Peter 1:1-11)

develop habits of Bible reading, prayer, fellowship with other believers

II.
Maintain a positive attitude about our efforts, that they are not in vain.
(I Corinthians 15:58 - "...knowing that your labor in the Lord is never iin vain)

III.
A very crucial element is PERSEVERANCE

Hebrews 10:36- "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised."

==> Spiritual growth takes time

Hebrews 5:12-- "...you ought to be teachers, yet you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's Word all over again."

Hebrews 5:14 (NKJV)-- "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age [i.e., mature], that is, those who by reason of use [i.e., practice] have their senses exercised [NIV: trained] to discern both good and evil."

~~~

During the Sunday school class, my mind then focused on Hebrews 5:14 in particular. I received these wonderful meditations from the Lord that fit me, and I pray that are useful to you as well.

* The note in my Bible on Heb 5:14 indicates that mature believers have "...spiritual senses [which] are able to discriminate between sound and unsound doctrine and between wholesome and unwholesome conduct."

I HAD NEVER REALLY SEEN THIS VERSE IN THAT LIGHT, but it focused my mind and being on the following truths:

** We are born again spiritually (spirits reborn), yet our souls and bodies still have habits and feelings that are opposed to God.

** We have to train our souls, bodies, non-spiritual selves to do God's will.

** As we spend time in God's Word and prayer on a regular basis, we are able to see the difference between the old and the new.

** BY DEPENDING ON THE SPIRIT OF GOD as we keep our focus on GOD'S WORD, we train our souls to turn from what feels "natural"-- but that which is evil and what is not best for us.

** ALSO, BY DEPENDING ON THE SPIRIT through the WORD, we also TRAIN OUR SPIRITUAL SENSES (the senses of our born-again spirit) TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT as we do what is right.

In effect, it is like our spirits are lifting weights and getting stronger and more healthy.

** WE LEARN to develop a hunger and a lifestyle of righteousness.

~~~

THIS DOES FIT with the reading, at least in reference to Samson. He was anointed by God, yet he did not train his senses to avoid evil and to do good. Thus, he died a death that he did not have to die.

He was like a older man who has teenager hormones that have never been trained. His flirtation with Delilah cost him his life. Also, I have no doubt that the ministry God gave him suffered. His ministry could have been longer and more effective.

THANK GOD that Samson repented and God forgave him. God used him one last time before he died.

Vance

[Vance Brown]

Just wanted to give a final comment. In choir we sang a hymn that I do not know that well. One verse really spoke to me, and I want to share it with you.

NAME OF HYMN: We're Marching to Zion

THIRD VERSE: THE HILL OF ZION YIELDS A THOUSAND SACRED SWEETS BEFORE WE REACH THE HEAVENLY FIELDS,
before we reach the heavenly fields or walk the golden streets or walk the golden streets.

We're marching to Zion Beautiful, beautiful Zion
We're marching upwards to Zion, the beautiful city of God.

Vance

[Stacey]

"Fear of the LORD lengthens one's life, but the years of the wicked are cut short."
I believe that "to fear the Lord" brings eternity into view. Those who fear the Lord accept Jesus as their Savior and begin the life that continues forever. The wicked only live here in this life and when they die physically, they are eternally dead as well.

To fear the Lord means to reverence Him in such a way as to live your life to please Him. For He is holy and Sovereign. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts.

Is 55: 6 Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.

7 Let the wicked forsake his way
and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

Eternal life starts here and now for the believer. "Fear the Lord" becomes a sign posted on life's highway that leads to the exit of real eternal life. "Fear the Lord" may very well be the signpost on the narrow gate. From Matt 7:13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Just like the picture of a highway, the destination may be a long way off. In California the sign post for "Sacramento" starts way down in San Diego. To travel the highway and make it all the way there are choices of turn offs to take for hundreds of miles. Lots of course corrections:just when you think you are on the right road, another option pops up and you have to check the signs and make sure that you are in the right lane to eventually reach "Sacramento".

So I liken "Fear the Lord" to the same type of sign post. "Fear the Lord" points out the right course to take. "Fear the Lord" helps one to understand the will of God. I can't find all the "Fear the Lord" signposts myself. That is why I need the Holy spirit as Counselor and Guide. I need Him to show me His ways and teach me His paths. (Ps 25) I need the Lord to direct may steps. I need to be walking daily and in tune and in step with the Holy Spirit. (Gal 5:25)

Here is the tragic result for those who do not find the narrow way. Again from Matt 7: 21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

May God bless you all this day and may you find the narrow path. John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Hi Beryl, I am rejoicing with you and Stef about your surgery and God's gracious Hand upon you.

[CB]

Ramona,

One thought on the equality of the tribes:

Judah, through Ephraim and Manasseh, gave a double portion. Levi gave nothing.

The latter is undoubtedly due to the Levites' separation as priests.

The former: due to Judah's birthright (double portion of the inheritance)?

[Jim M.]

DEFINITION OF FEAR OF GOD:
"The fear of God is that awesome reverence of the LORD deriving from being sensitive to His glorious, holy and majestic Person resulting in respect and obedience."

Our reverence should not be one of fearfulness where we want to run away but a good healthy awe which creates a desire to serve.

[Ramona]

Chip-- I believe Ephraim and Manasseh were Joseph's kids but because Jacob adopted them as his own I think each qualifies as Jacob's children, thus possibly a separate tribe.

Come to think of it could it be that Joseph (double portion) is a type of the New Testament church receiving as the ones grafted in by adoption better promises based on a "better" covenant? Sorry I am work and don't have access right now to my references. Also, since levies didn’t have to bring an offering because they ministered in the Tabernacle, could we back track there exemption to that conversation we had about ministerial compensation (This is just a rhetorical question I don’t want to bring up the angst from our previous conversation.)

Chip thanks for the “catch.”

My understanding of the Fear of the Lord is taken primarily from the book of Proverbs,

Pro 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

[John]

Yesterday's Numbers Reading
(forgot to mention)

The period the priesthood served:
"From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old"...

It is no coincidence that Jesus started his ministry at age 30.

I will wait until we get to the Gospel of John, but much of what Jesus did in his ministry was centered in and referred to the Jewish feast days.

[John]

Chip

"Judah, through Ephraim and Manasseh, gave a double portion."

I am confused????

"The one who brought his offering on the first day was Nahshon son of Amminadab of the tribe of Judah."

Nahshon represented the tribe of Judah.

Ephraim and Manasseh were adopted in to keep the number of tribes at twelve. One to carry on for Joseph (Jacob's son) and the other to take the place of Levi (Jacob's son) who was not counted as a tribe. They each headed their own tribe.

Why keep it at twelve?

12 - THE NUMBER OF GOVERNMENTAL PERFECTION. There were 12 tribes of Israel; 12 Apostles, 12 foundations in the heavenly Jerusalem; 12 gates; 12 pearls; 12 angels. The measurements of New Jerusalem are 12,000 furlongs or stadia, while the wall will be 144 (12 x 12) cubits

http://www.carm.org/questions/numbers.htm

As far as all the protions being equal no matter the size of the tribe - this is also reflected in Jesus's parable in Matthew regarding wages for differing hours of work.

No matter the per individual rate of offering, no matter the hours worked - both foreshadow the concept:

No matter whether you have sinned a lot or a little, whether you are saved early or late - heaven is there for all. The cost is the same for everybody:

WHOMSOEVER WILL

[John]

Cory,
In Matthew 24:12-13
"Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."

From a straightforward interpretation of bible, I believe this is about tribulation - the warning signs and in particular what the Jewish people need to be wary of in those times.

Regardless, it can be looked at generally:

because of the increase in wickedness most who profess love of Christ will turn away (go cold);they are attracted to the wickedness.

"...but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."

"stands" is aorist active participle meaning "having stood" or "having endured" indicating a completed action prior to entry into the time span. Their faith in Christ which was a completed fact before entering the time span.

I believe the concept of passage to be harmonious with rest of Scripture is:

"Jesus was saying who goes to the end of his life and endures whatever comes, gives demonstration that he is one who in the end will be saved." - John MacArthur

Not the ones who hated them (from Mark 13:13) or the ones whose love turned cold (from Matt24:12).

Those that have the true, unwavering, and completed faith all along - they are the ones who are saved.

Mark's version is for the Gentiles, and while they would not get the Jewish references, they would be impressed with the horrible nature of these times.

[John]

birth pains

"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains."

I am not a woman, so I could be corrected - but my understanding is birth pains start at a certain intensity level and get closer together accompanied by greater intensity until birth (the culmination).

I don't worry about the WHEN the "end" is coming, but I believe world events should give Christians an added "sense of urgency" when it comes to sharing the Gospel with Family, friends, and whenever opportunity is given.