~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Numbers 32:1-33:39 ~ Luke 4:31-5:11
Psalm 64:1-10 ~ Proverbs 11:22
Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 32 verse 23 we read this strong warning from Moses to the Reubenites & Gadites about their promise to fight with Israel and their desire to settle in the land east of the Jordan river: "But if you fail to keep your word, then you will have sinned against the LORD, and you may be sure that your sin will find you out." I think this is powerful for us to keep in mind in our lives today as well! It's important for us to keep our word! If we're not sure we can keep our word, we shouldn't give it. But if we do give our word, and we fail to keep it, we have sinned. And I do believe the sin will still find us out today. How are you at keeping your word these days? Is there an area of your life where you gave your word and you now are wavering? Can you keep your word in that area? Will you pray to God to give you strength to do so? Let us not be people who fail to keep our word or who stretch the truth!
Chapter 33 is a great re-cap of Israel's journey! Check out a great map of Israel's journey and commentary at this link. And another full sized map of Israel's journey is at this link, and a smaller sized map is below:
New Testament - In Luke chapter 5 verses 10 & 11 we read - "From now on you'll be fishing for people!" And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus." Can you imagine being one of the two disciples in this image below? If you were called by Jesus to stop your "work" that you are doing now and instead work to bring people closer to God, would you do so? Can you imagine yourself today being like these disciples and leaving everything and following Jesus?
Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 4's readings today titled "Deity Confronts the Demons" is at this link and commentary on chapter 5's readings today entitled "How to Hook a Fisherman" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 64 verse 10 is beautiful - "The godly will rejoice in the LORD and find shelter in him." Do you consider God a shelter for your life? When storms come into your life, do you find shelter in God? How about the Bible? Is the Bible a sort of shelter in your life? Do you find refuge in the Bible?
Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 64 titled "A Prayer for Protection from the Conspiracy of Terror" is at this link.
Proverbs - Proverbs 11:22 today teaches us - "A woman who is beautiful but lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig's snout." Well, I looked at the TNIV to see if "woman" might be changed to "person", but it wasn't. I think this Proverb can apply to men too. I think we are all beautiful, as sons & daughters of God! We are made in the image of God. And when we lack discretion in our God-given lives, then we indeed are like this image below! :)
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on our readings in Luke today, do you believe that Jesus still calls his followers to be fishers of people today? Are you a fisher of people? How are you fishing for people for the Lord in your life today? What are some ways that Jesus might be calling you to fish for people today? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
Numbers 32:
I’m trying to figure out why it was OK for the tribes of Reuben and Gad to choose the land that they would inherit. If I remember correctly from earlier in the book, God told Moses that the amount of land was to be allocated by the size of the tribe, but the location of the land was to be decided by random lot. Reuben and Gad wanted to choose the specific regions that they would get, because it was good for their cows. Moses thought it was a ploy to avoid fighting, but was OK with it as long as they pledged to fight along side the rest of Israel. It just doesn’t make sense to me that God would mete out severe punishment for earlier sins which seemed more a matter of interpretation, while ignoring what appears to me to be a blatant disregard for explicit instructions.
Luke 5:
The thing that struck me about this passage was the actions of Peter, James and John. They were so amazed by Jesus apparent ability to call the fish into the nets that they were immediately convinced of his divinity. Obviously fish were a hugely significant feature in their lives. That’s why I think it’s so amazing that, in verse 11, “When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.” It’s sort of like Jesus handing one of us a winning lottery ticket. I don’t know that my response would be to leave it behind to follow him. I’d like to think it would, but I’m not so sure.
Posted by: Dwayne | March 20, 2007 at 06:18 PM
Dwayne,
I’m not so sure that it was O.K. for them to do what they did. God will allow us to operate in our own will and that is called His Permissive Will instead of His Perfect Will. In my opinion, I think what the two tribes did was a slap in the face of God because they ignored His Promise for them and settled on what they thought was best. I think it was the same “sin” that Abraham’s nephew participated in. He chose the well watered plans near Sodom because it was a little like Egypt and a little like the Garden of Eden and found himself living in Sodom (Gen 13:7-11), then moved to a cave (Gen 19:30-38) having two children born out of incest.
I think when we read the Bible we have to read it like a case study and move from how someone’s life ended, both spiritually and physically, then trace back to see where they made the wrong turn. In Lot’s case I don’t believe Abraham should have taken him into Canaan.
The LORD said to Abram: Leave your country, your family, and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you.
Posted by: R. | March 20, 2007 at 06:19 PM
Luke 4:14-30
[Late post from yesterday's reading]
Luke 4:16
"He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read." NIV
A village had to have ten men to justify a synagogue. So there were many places of "teaching" throughout Israel.
The reading was shared each week from amongst the assembled. Some say - the person could pick from anywhere in the Scripture and read. However, it is documented that in Jesus' time there would have been a prescribed order of reading. Something from the "LAW" and something from the "PROPHETS". There was an ordered pairing throughout the year, with double readings on some sabbaths.
I tend to believe the latter as Jesus was handed a specific scroll (Isaiah) - it did not seem to be His choice.
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Jesus read first two verses from Is. 61 and stopped. Actually stopped in the middle of verse two.
The people were expectantly looking at Him. I believe that is so - because the normal reading would have been at least a chapter+.
The reason Jesus stopped. Because the next line would be:
"and the day of vengeance of our God," NIV
and that would have made Jesus' statement false:
"Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
the first 1 1/2 verses are about Jesus' first time on earth - proclaiming the time of the Lord's favor. That he came to save, not judge. The next line is about His Second Coming - vengence (judgment).
At first the people thought well of Him, then doubt crept in (satan is always at work). Why did Jesus quote the proverb:
'Physician, heal yourself!
I beleive, and some are really not going to like this - that Jesus looked as one who is sick. He just did not look healthy. Why do I say this?
Is 53:3-4
"He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted." NIV
It has been said when in His deity - he saw the cross and suffered everytime He saw it. We know God cannot stand sin - Jesus was around sin all the time. He had come to save - yet not all would or will be saved. Any or all of these can wear down and weigh on Christ. So to the people of the time - Jesus seemed stricken by God and afflicted.
Jesus knew the people were in a doubting mode - He knew what was in their hearts. He knew they were thinking - this man, this unhealthy looking person - this is the messiah?????
He has done works in Capernaum (we heard), and yet nothing in His hometown to prove Himself to us.
The people got angry at the recounting of the story of Elijah. It was a bad time in Israel, and God did not step in. Elijah went and worked with the hated Gentiles. They people got worked up over this - because the point of this story is God heals, God saves people who admit they are poor, prisoners, oppressed and blind (from Is 61 passage) whether they are Gentile or Jew. That is what the widow and Namaan did - that these people refused to do.
Satan was working again as they got so worked up (mob mentality) that they were going to kill Jesus. But it is not His hour.
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Why did thes people back then, and people today reject Christ? Because they are not of the right heart. Non-believers do not think they are poor in spirit, prisoners of sin, oppressed by satan and his minions, and they certainly do not recognize they are blind to God's truth. Non-believers to some degree (some more than others) believe that they are in control, that they have it figured out.
It is not until one admits that they are not in control, that they do not have it figured out - when they turn to God and repent of their sins because they know they are sinners (of that nature)- that God will step in and remove the blinders and allow us to see the Truth.
As long as Pride is an issue - this verse will apply.
1CR1:18
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." NIV
Posted by: John | March 20, 2007 at 08:13 PM
Numbers 31
The slaughter of the Midianites was horrifying, but it must be viewed in context. This is no desert border squabble. The Midianite-Moabite coalition had attempted to destroy Israel—first by cursing it, then by sending their women to seduce Israel into both literal and spiritual adultery. Had the attempt succeeded, the result would have been the end of the chosen people--and with it, the end of God’s plan to use Israel to give the world a Savior. The destruction of Midian is emblematic of the fate that awaits all God’s enemies--here, or hereafter, or both. One of Moses’ last divinely-appointed tasks is to see that the Israelite army executes God’s judgment on Midian.
After Israel is victorious, 32,000 Midianite virgins are spared from destruction because they did not participate directly in the plan to destroy Israel. These are probably enslaved, the usual fate of captives at that time.
http://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?1518&cuQA_qaID=1&cuTopic_topicID=810&cuItem_itemID=15430
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Israel did not act out of vengence - they were acting as agents of God.
When God takes vengence - it is based on justice and righteousness.
Why kill the boys?
Boys had an obligation to avenge their father's death. It may have been a future problem. In addition, in the "eternal" perspective, it can be seen as merciful. The fathers' may have been wicked, deserved punishment and permanent separation from God - but the boys not having reached age of accountability are with God today. Something that probably would not have happened if left alive.
This is also the chapter where Balaam receives judgment for his desire for the "world" over God, and for being the instigator of the Moabite/Midianite plan. He is killed in this chapter.
Posted by: John | March 20, 2007 at 08:51 PM
My book club group meet monthly the last Saturday of every month. We go over the next months discussion, meeting place and time at the previous months meeting. However we still have folks who say they are coming and don't and then those who agree to the time and come late. This has been going on for 5 months and each month I am more and more disappointed even the group founder is late EVERY month. So this month I invited an author to chat with us and I asked if everyone could be on time. No one responded to my email. I have prayed on this for quite some time and I realize I cannot handle people who do not stand by their word. If you don't have your word what's left? I pray daily that God places an angel at the gateway of my mouth because I have a horrible habit of stretching the truth especially if I think it will make someone feel better. I want to be like the disciples when Jesus called them to go - they went and their bounty was increased. I pray my faith is one that never finds me wavering. The only way I have been able to do this thing called life is because He is my rock and my shelter. I know He knows the plans for my life. My prayer is that He continues to keep His hands on my life. My initial fishing tactic is to allow people to see the great love of Christ in me so that it might bring them to Him. I always talk about my Lord and continually invite my girlfriends who are not in relationship with Jesus to begin one.
Posted by: Laverne | March 21, 2007 at 06:28 AM
When I read our Proverb for today, what struck me was how beautiful women who dress immodestly (like so many we see in our culture on a daily basis!) are to God like a gold ring in a pig's snout. Now that would be some mascot for the Victoria's Secret commercials!
Posted by: Debi Walter | March 21, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Numbers
CROSSING THE JORDAN stands for the truth of Galatians 2:20, entering the land, (the Spirit-filled life); by renouncing self and living thereafter in the power of the Spirit.
http://www.ldolphin.org/App.html
By desiring the land of Jazer and Gilead, and not crossing the Jordan - the tribes of Gadites and Reubenites made a choice - they chose not to enter God's Promised Land, and symbolically staying in a man-centered life.
Oh, they made concessions and deals, they worked out a bargain with Moses, they got what they wanted - much today as people have a deal figured out to live the way they want, and not follow God's plan.
The tribes of Gadites and Reubenites would pay a price for that decision; the same as people today who think they can bargain and can have "do it their way" salvation with God - an eternal price will be paid.
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Luke
Jesus Works in Various Areas
Just as Jesus did, Christians today need to be working in the spiritual community, the private community, and the public community. Helping, praying and spreading the good news.
Just like Jesus, we need to be praying to God for the guidance to where and when we should be operating in this world.
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Calling of the Disciples
Always confusing to me - as to when and where Jesus met and called His disciples. Looked at the synoptic Gospel, and saw different times when the Lord and disciples were together (early on).
It seems the disciples were going back and forth. Spending time with Jesus , and then going back to their jobs/businesses. They were part-time followers. Jesus allowed that for a while - then a choice had to be made. To be all you can be as a "folower" - you must give up life/self.
Like Peter - we may have doubts and not feel like we are worthy to be full-time follower(s) - but Jesus said - do not be afraid - COME.
The Lord will teach, the Holy Spirit will change us - we just have to step out.
"Knowing that, as the apostle Paul says, "our lives are no longer our own; they have been bought with a price," how then can we experience our full spiritual potential? We must allow Jesus to be Lord of our whole life, regardless of where we are living or working; we must allow him to challenge our self-confidence; we must allow him to fill us with Christ's confidence; and allow him to change us into becoming "fishers of men."
http://www.pbc.org/library/files/html/4126.html
Posted by: John | March 21, 2007 at 02:51 PM
Lavern: I was pondering your comments about the fustrations that you face with people. One of those fustrations has to do with people being late. I have a friend who will always fall into that category. What I have come to realize is that we can never truely depend on people. People will always in some way defy our trust and fustrate us. We can only depend on God. He is always consistent. I have decided that Jesus is the only one who I feel is worth waiting for. His timing is always perfect and always makes sense. Sometimes I want things to happen quicker, but when I am patient and wait upon the Lord my waiting has always caused an increase in blessings that I have recieved.
Don't put all your faith and hope in what man can do for you, but rely more on the Lord. I am disappointed with people it seems daily because they never seem to care or to meet my expectations. Everyone seems so self centered especially those who do not know the Lord. One of my favorit verses is Isaiah 41:30-31 NIV "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
I was looking through the bible concordance and it said that selfishness is concern for self at the expense of others. Proverbs 18:10 is listed: The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe. Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait for the Lord: be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
Perhaps God is teaching me patience or giving me a good reason to remain friends with someone who is habitially late. Maybe I can be a good example of some good habits and hope that I am percieved as a good witness. Perhaps I am learning about the lessons of grace and forgiveness. God does know what is best, I still trust He is in control even when I am fustrated.
Be Blessed today, I hope I have offered you some encouragement to you.
Posted by: Laura Jones | March 21, 2007 at 05:51 PM
Psalm 64:9 All mankind will fear;
they will proclaim the works of God
and ponder what he has done.
I always like the word "ponder".... and here it really stands out to me: to ponder what He has done. The Lord is so awesome, has done amazing things in my life alone.... let alone what I know/hear He's done for others... plus what He's done for all creation, provided us life and salvation. When I ponder these things, I am in awe! Hallelujah!
Lord, I pray that I am not like the proverbs above, I will do my utmost to show more discretion in my decisions and actions. You know, I work out, I fix my hair, I buy and put on makeup,... I do a lot to be more beautiful. But I don't always use good discretion. Lord, please forgive me and please teach me. Amen!
Posted by: Katie | March 21, 2007 at 08:06 PM
IN Luke, notice how the demons knew who Jesus was, the Christ. v 41"You are the Christ the Son of God!" They believed in him...many ppl today claim to believe in Jesus, that Jesus is the Christ, and they are correct, but if they have not received Him, repenting, surrendering to Him, born again through Him, these ppl are lost! We dont just need to believe in God and that Jesus is the Messiah, but we must receive, act on it, have a new heart, a new mind. Its pretty easy to talk with someone and see if they truely know the Lord. ppl can talk all they want about God, but it doesnt really mean much. WE cant see anyone's heart, but we sure can be given a good indication about them. This is discernment and its a gift from God.
You know, reading about Peter's mother-in-law kinda surprised...I have read about her before, but it just dawned on me, Peter was married! for some reason i just assumed the disciples were all unmarried. I'm guessing he left his wife to follow Jesus.
My dad was informing me the other day there are 2 gospels. I was like, huh? The kingdom of God is the gospel Jesus preached and now we preach the gospel of Jesus to nonbelievers. That threw me for a loop at first...I guess i didnt think of it in those terms.
I like in Luke how when Peter recognized who Jesus was, he fell on his face and saw he was a sinful man. This is the appropriate response, when we see ourselves in the light of Jesus, we see our sin and its too great to bear.
I see how Jesus told him to cast his net on the other side, and Peter was like, but Jesus, we have been toiling all night, but ok, since u say so. This is my response sometimes, He will tell me to do something and I say, Jesus, but Ive been doing this, toiling. What i didnt have before was God's power though, I tried on my own strength and if Jesus tells me to do something, I can be assured God will provide.
Thanks for trying to get us girls off the hook, haha. the commentary says:
"Beauty is abused by those who have not discretion or modesty with it. This is true of all bodily endowments."
As Christian women, we need to be careful. For sum reason men like women's bodies, i dont know why, haha. but we need to consider that it is a sin to attempt to lure men, or stumble them. I know fashions and weather conditions sometimes dictate our clothing, like i live in Southern Cali where its not often cold, so we dont need a lot of clothing. some of the fashions like tight clothes, its just the norm. I know sum ppl think people here dont dress decent.
One gauge is...how do i feel if my dad sees me in that? I dont own anything i'd be embarrassed to wear around my dad....who is an old-fashioned man and would definitely say something if i had on something inappropriate...i know, i've see him say something to my sisters, very embarrassing!!
Posted by: Jenny | March 21, 2007 at 08:08 PM
Laura - Oh gracious heavens I don't put ALL my faith & hope in what people can do for me, sorry if that is the impression you received from my words. However I do take people at their word?
You most certainly have encouraged me in saying it is possible God is working with me and this particular group of friends and here's why I say this. Because of the rain last night we decided to have prayer service on the phone and to be honest it was good to see one of my friends who initiated the call which was suppose to begin at at 9:14pm ring me at 9:11 pm. I said look who is early and she said I told you I am starting this year out trying to be on time. All I could do was praise God... So yes I am encouraged that God is using me to help them. You also said something else Laura that resonated with me about people not meeting your expectation. I never thought about it like that b4 but that is me. So thank Q so much I am going to begin praying that Whatever is wrong in me Lord take it out of me, so that I can be right before Him. Thanks
Posted by: Laverne | March 22, 2007 at 06:47 AM