February 6th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Exodus 23:14-25:40 ~ Matthew 24:29-51
Psalm 30:1-12 ~ Proverbs 7:24-27

Old Testament - Today in Exodus chapter 23 we read about the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Harvest, and the Festival of Final Harvest (also known as Festival of Booths or Ingathering or Tabernacles).  Commentary on Exodus chapter 24, entitled "The Magnificent Meal on Mt. Sinai" is at bible.org at this link.  This old covenant meal was a foreshadowing of Jesus' new covenant Last Supper with his disciples just before his death and resurrection. In chapter 24 Moses is called up on the mountain for forty days and forty nights - similarly Jesus spent forty days and forty nights in the desert after his baptism and before beginning his public ministry. Below is a wonderful image by C.F. Vos of Moses receiving the Law from God on Mount Sinai:

In Exodus chapter 25 we read about the Offerings for the Tabernacle, the plans for the ark, the table and the lampstand.  Below is a replica of the Ark of the Covenant:

Below is a replica of the table described in today's readings where the Bread of Presence is kept - (image below courtesy of BiblePlaces.com)

And several examples of the Tabernacle Lampstand described in today's readings are below:

New Testament - Jesus' teaching in Matthew chapter 24 verse 36 has always stood out to me - particularly when my friends today want to dive into conversations about "if" the end is near: "However, no one knows the day or the hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." No one knows the day or the hour - only God.  Good for us to keep in mind. We're not God. :)   For more commentary on "The Textual Problem Of oujdeV oJ uiJov" In Matthew 24:36" at bible.org click on this link.  No, I don't think oujdeV oJ uiJov is a typo.  :)  Can someone tell me - is this the original Greek?  I think so.

Verse 35 is an amazing reminder that Jesus' words in the Bible will outlast every single material thing around us today: "Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever."   Do you believe that Jesus' words will remain forever?  Commentary on Matthew 24:40-41 called "Taken for Salvation or Judgment?" is online at bible.org at this link.

Psalms - Today in Psalm 30 verses 4 through 5 we read: “Sing to the Lord; you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” How does this verse speak to you? Do you believe that God’s anger can last only a moment, but his favor last a lifetime? If you are weeping now in some area of your life, do you believe that God can bring rejoicing to you? Will you pray to God to grant you favor in this life and in life everlasting? Will you pray to God to heal any situation that you are weeping over today, and to bring you rejoicing tomorrow? Do you look forward to this rejoicing that will allow you to sing to the Lord as a saint and to praise his holy name?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 7 verse 25 reminds us once again of the importance of guarding our hearts, the very wellspring of our lives: "Don't let your hearts stray away..."  Is there anything in your life that is causing your heart to stray away from God's Truth?  Will you not allow you heart to go down that dangerous path?  Will you return your heart's allegiance wholly to your Maker and Provider?  Will you allow your heart to be chained to God alone, and not to any temptations or sins?

Worship God:  Matthew 24:35 reminded me of the amazing MercyMe song "Word of God Speak."  Here's a video of some great images and Scripture verses set to this song:

Have you heard God's voice?  Click here for the Word of God!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  In today and yesterday's readings in Matthew chapter 24 we read about the end times.  Do you do much study of the end times?  What are some books or resources or websites you could point others to, to study more about the end times?  I have to admit, I don't think about the end times very much.  I know they will come, but I guess I feel like focusing on the end times too much might distract me from doing other ministry here and now.  How often do you think about the end times? Do you think there should be a balance of time and study when it comes to reflecting on the end times versus being active in ministry in our world 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

Comments

[Blessing]

The closeness of Moses to God is worth emulating. When we are close to God then He can speak to us directly and we can talk to Him as well as with Him by so doing our memory verse for the week shall be implemented. I really want to be very close to my God at all times.

The knowledge of the end of the age is with God alone and if we are close to Him, He will open our eyes of understanding and help us walk along so I personally do not bother calculating the end of age. I feel that as Christians we should live everyday as though it is the end by doing things right and pleasing God.

This Psalms reminds me of the period I was in distress of ill-health in the mid 90s, I sincerely cried to the Lord and He healed me. I did not have to go for the surgical operation as was recommendaed by 3 different doctors. Halleluiyah!!!!!

[Bhavna Govender]

Hi Everyone

I know that I am straying off the topic here but I have to share my testimony with you. I really feel that it will encourage others who are trusting God for something.

My husband and I have been looking for a house for about 8 months, we probably saw about 50 houses, finally we saw a place that we really liked and we put in our bond application to the bank. We were unfortunately denied the bond, and were left disappointed but still knowing that it was in God's hands. And so we continued looking knowing that God was in control.
A few weeks ago we were taken to a place by an estate agent. Wouldnt you know that it was the same complex that we had initally loved but a different house. We walked in and fell in love. Not only was this house in better condition but it was R70000 cheaper, can you believe it! We applied for our bond and it was approved this week.

We serve an awesome God who is so concerned about our lives. He knows exactly what we need he just wants us to be patient and trust in Him.

So to everyone who is waiting for God to answer a prayer, keep going push in and keep the faith. Gods plans and timing is perfect in every way.

[Kitty]

Today is the start of the Leng - Ash Wednesday, 40 days before Easter! May we all prepare our hearts for Easter - the death and resurrection of Jesus our Lord, as we read and reflect on the Word of God.

I agree with you Mike. We shouldn't just focus on the end times as it's important for us to serve God NOW.

I think one of the important things about the end times is for us to be alert, to be ready and to share the gospel with those around us who don't know God - before Jesus comes back.

[Kitty]

I am so happy for you Bhavna. Yes God's good and He does answer our prayers.

[Margaret]

Yes, we don't know the "day or hour" of Jesus's return, but Jesus never said we could not know the year or month. Jesus wanted us to know when the time is "near" so he gave us many signs of that time. Some prophecy websites are www.lamblion.com www.keyofdavid.com
www.according2prophecy.org

[John]

Psalm 30

For the dedication of the temple.

Nobody knows what this means - one can only guess. The temple had not been built in David's lifetime. One thing is known - in 165 B.C during Hanukah when the temple was re-dedicated back to the Lord this psalm was used corporately.

"When the people rededicated the temple in 165 B.C., they understood that, We as a people have not been faithful to our God and we’ve suffered the consequences of that. But once again, God has been faithful and He has restored us." -
Pastor Bryan Clark
======================================================
verses 1-4

David is exalting the Lord and praising Him from healing David from an illness that was near death. David had called to the Lord for help, and God had healed him - God had spared David's life.
======================================================
Psalm 30:5
"For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning."

Yes, God gets angry at sin. However,we know from Hebrews 12 that God's chastisement is not done out of anger, but out of love. David was a believer, God wants a relationship with His children. Just like a parent disciplines a child, in the end, God wants us to ask for Fatherly forgiveness and a restoration of the relationship between God and believer (His children). Just like an earthly parent, one may get angry at what the child does, but that anger is short-lived compared to the favor and love felt for a lifetime. there may be sadness and problems for a time, but in the end there is love and rejoicing.
======================================================
Verses 6-7

So what was David's sin? I think it is pointed out in Verse 6. When times were prosperous David used the "I" word. I will not be moved/overthrown from my kingship. David had forgotten that God had appointed him king, and it was God who granted him military successes and a prosperous kingdom. David, who had a heart for God, had forgotten his first love. David was suffering form a case of righteous pride. (as believers do we ever get in that place????)

Now David admits it was God who favored him, and who made him firm as a mountain. When David's favor disappeared, God became distant (because of David's pride), and sickness fell on david - he got dismayed.

Instead of getting bitter and sulking (ever done that to God???), David went to God.
======================================================
Verses 8-12

David called on the Lord for mercy and Grace and for the Lord to heal him. David was not asking God for anything based on what David had done in this life, just for God's administration of mercy and grace - that we do not deserve, but that God bestows on us.

Like with any parent, when David truthfully acknowledged his wrong, and asked for forgiveness and restoration with the right heart, God heard David's plea. (Would you as a parent not do the same???? How much more so the Father in heaven.)

When David was healed he was joyful, danced and sang, and praised the Lord.

[John]

Proverbs 7:24-27

Certainly these verses are a picture of sin and satan. Sin, without going to God, has brought down many a believer. Many a testimony and gospel sharing has been discredited by sin.

For those that a life of sin keeps from acknowledging God and seeking Salvation, the slain are great in number. They will only know death (eternal separation from God).

[John]

Matthew 24:30

"At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory."

I was questioned once by a non-believer if I thought Christ was coming back on a cloud. He laughed and said it was physically impossible.

My response was: Are you telling me it is impossible for God/Jesus to come back on a cloud? Well, I believe Jesus is God. The man just stared at me and walked away.
======================================================
Matt 24:36
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

I beleive when Jesus was on earth that he totally submitted to the Father (an example for us). Jesus was led by the Spirit, miracles were permitted (by the Father)to be done through Him by the Holy Spirit. No words were spoken that the Father did not give Jesus. All glory was for the Father, not for Jesus.

If I am correct, then certainly in the servant role - Jesus would not know the time or the hour. I certainly believe in Jesus' glorified status after the Ressurection that He knows. But this verse plays in nicely with the Jewish wedding ceremony.

Remember that in Revelation there is to be a wedding between the Bride of Christ (church/believers) and Jesus. There is a format to be followed in the Hebrew engagement/marital process.

(11) Bridegroom comes for his Bride.

"The time of the bridegroom's return is related to the bridal chamber's construction. When the preparations on the bridal chamber were completed then it would be the proper time. But the groom's father would be the one to give permission. It was a common expression or saying, a Jewish idiom, that a man would say when his friends asked him when his marriage would be. He would reply, "of that day or hour no man knows, but my father only."

So Jesus' statement dovetails nicely into the time the Bridegroom returns for His bride according to Jewish tradition.

For all 18 steps and how it relates to Christ and the Body of Christ with OT and NT references - the link is below:
http://www.linkjesus.com/weddingstudy.htm

Personally - I found it a fascinating Bible study :)

[John]

oops!

todays posts:

jmikeadams@msn.com
2008

[Amit David]

fasting season r arrive,want to know about
how to fast or leng in this season.anyone knows the correct term for defining 40 days journey of jesus christ(fastin).That why jesus christ fast for 40 days & why we are fasting?

[John]

Exodus 23:21b
"...Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him." NIV

One of the reasons I believe Jesus was leading the Hebrew Tribes through the Exodus. (Just my conjecture).

Coomentators often say when one sees "the angel of the Lord" it is Christ in the OT. It does not say that here, but what I see is:
- only God can forgive and he shares His glory with no one. So if the angel has that ability to forgive and not forgive the angel must be God.
- If God's name is "I am" and it is in the midst (within) the angel. The angel must be God.
- Tangentially, Jesus name is Yeshua translated Jehova is Salvation. Jehova is in the midst of Jesus' future Hebrew name.
======================================================
Typology of the Tabernacle

Each item represented something and foreshadows Christ.

Tabernacle
Old Testament

The Lord commanded that the tabernacle to be built so that he could "dwell among" the people (Exodus 25:8, 29:45-46).

New Testament

God dwells within Christ (Colossians 2:9), whose body is a temple of God (John 2:19-20).

In Christ, God became flesh and dwells, or, more literally, "tabernacles," among us (John 1:14).

The Spirit of the Father and the Son dwells within each follower of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:19) and among the followers of Jesus (2 Corinthians 6:16), who together comprise his body (Ephesians 4:12) in whom his Spirit dwells. He will also dwell with his people forever (Revelation 21:3).

The Ark
The ark of the covenant (25:10-22)

Old Testament

The Lord was enthroned between the cherubim, just above the ark (1 Samuel 4:4, 2 Samuel 6:2). Thus, the ark symbolized God's reign on earth.

New Testament

Christ spoke much of "the kingdom of God," and he himself is the king (Matthew 21:5, John 18:36, Revelation 19:16).

Believers in Christ are enthroned with Christ (Ephesians 2:6) and will reign with him forever (Revelation 22:5).

The Table
The table of the bread of presence (25:23-30)

Old Testament

The bread was to be in the presence of the Lord, or before his face, continually (25:30).

New Testament

Christ is the bread of life (John 6:35) who himself is in the presence of the Father continually (Hebrews 7:25, 9:24).

Those who partake of the bread of life, Jesus, experience eternal life, and will be eternally in the presence of God (John 6:35-40).

The lamp stand (25:31-40)

Old Testament

The lamp stand provided for illumination.

New Testament

Christ is "the light of the world" (John 9:5) and "the true light that, coming into the world, enlightens every man" (John 1:9).

Jesus calls his followers "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14) who should "shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Copied from link here:
http://www.pbc.org/files/messages/10447/exo025.html

Another link you might want to explore:
http://www.bible-history.com/tabernacle/TAB4Overview.htm

[Jim]

I find predictions of the end times to be very amusing. Miller predicted the end of the world (twice) in the early nineteenth century (the resulting Seventh Day now just say soon, real soon). Of course 1,000 and 2,000 were popular dates. But, my favorite was 1,666 (as the mark of the beast). The first words from Peter after the Holy Spirit showed up during Pentecost was that the end times had already begun. I assume the real question then, is when are the end times over? An especially interesting question when discussing the Festival of Harvest (or Booths or Tabernacles).

Sukkot (October 14-20, 2008): This week is celebrated to demonstrate and express the Jewish relationship with their God. It comes five days after Yom Kippur (“Day of Atonement” is probably the most important holiday of the Jewish year), but it is quite a drastic transition from one of the most solemn holidays in the Jewish year as one of the most joyous. The last day commemorates the “Clouds of Glory” which protected the Jewish people after they left Egypt and wandered the desert for 40 years. A little hut (Sukkah) is constructed and for the week of Sukkot (“Sue-COAT” or “Sue-KAH” in Yiddish, meaning booths) the Jews are supposed to conduct everything they would normal conduct from their own home from within these walls as a representation of the temporary homes of the 40 years wandering in the desert. The week long festival of Sukkot was instituted in Leviticus 23:33 where God demands the first day to be without work (but many Jews quit working for two days to make sure they don't miss the correct date). Lemon, palm, willow, and myrtle branches are waved in all six directions (starting East being forward) symbolizing that God is everywhere, waved in prayer, held during Bible reading each night while reciting “Hosha na (Please, save us).

Mayflower historian Caleb Johnson believes that America’s Thanksgiving was, in fact, originally a Christian Sukkot celebration (and thus, more likely held in October rather than November). Zechariah 14:16 says, “In the end, the enemies of Jerusalem who survive the plague will go up to Jerusalem each year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Shelters.” It has been suggested that there will still be an Old Testament Feast during the Messiah’s Kingdom because Sukkot is a festival of thanksgiving, celebrating those who love God with all their soul and will then symbolize the 1,000 or Millennium of living with Christ in which the harvest of salvation will truly begin (as per Leviticus 23:33-36 and Revelation 20:2-4) with the last day of Sukkot picturing the resurrection of all those who did not receive their calling to conversion in all the ages prior to the millennium (Leviticus 23:39, Revelation 20:5,11-15). The temporary shelters then picture our human physical bodies which are “constructed” and “lived in” during our mortal lifetimes (similar to 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 when Paul refers to this symbolism describing “the earthly tent in which we live in”). Being the most joyous Jewish holiday also portrays a time when Satan will not longer be around to cause trouble and suffering. Moreover, all the other Old Testament feasts won’t be celebrated because they have all been fulfilled in Jesus: Passover in Jesus’ death, Day of Atonement in Jesus’ salvation, Feast of First Fruits in Jesus’ resurrection, and Pentecost in the gift of the Holy Spirit Comforter.

[Skip]

I study the end time’s quite-a-bit. I think it’s important to study when Christ will return so that we can understand the world and the times in which we are living. The hard part about studying end time prophesies is to filter out all the garbage that is published about those days. When I look at the headlines and observe society the headlines can be matched up with what God taught us as signs of the end; the birth pangs. When I see:

- the disrespect and the lack of discipline our youth have, not just toward their parents, teachers and other
adults, but also toward each other.
- divorce rates exceeding 50% of all marriages.
- TV, movies and the media in general promoting, what is considered by God to be evil and impure.
- the open acceptability and celebration of the gay and lesbian lifestyle.
- an increase in abortion.
- the increase in earth quakes, hurricanes, volcanic activity, global warming and wars.
- and much, much more.

I can’t help but to think that Jesus is coming; right at the door. By observing signs and studying end time prophesy I think we are more equipped to spread His word and to try bringing as many people into His flock as we can. The time is short, the job is huge and there aren’t enough shepherds to gather the sheep. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 has always stood out to me. I have them printed out and hanging on the wall in my office.

2 Timothy 3:1-5
1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! (NLT)

And also 2 Timothy 4:3
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. (NLT)

Do these versus remind you of the world we live in? Maybe every generation before us could say the same thing, but it seems like these versus ring truer today then ever.

Another sign that I think is the mother of all signs that we are the generation that will witness the return of Jesus is the creation of a Jewish state on May 14, 1948. Scripture tells us that the generation that sees this event will also see that second coming of Jesus. We are that generation.

I don’t know the day or time and don’t try to guess it because Jesus says in Matthew 24:36 36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. But I do keep one eye on my Bible, one eye on the headlines and both ears open.

The only part about the end times that I’m not too sure about is the rapture. I know that this topic is debated quite heavily and there are many varying opinions about it. I guess for me, since the word rapture is never mentioned in the scripture and the concept is being taken from: 1 Thessalonians 4:17 17 “Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.” I’m just not sure this means that believers in Jesus will be removed from Earth before the 7-year tribulation begins?

Two books come to mind, but are fairly old:
“Foreshocks of Antichrist” by Grant Jeffrey, Chuck Missler, Dave Breese, Zola Levitt and John Walvoord
“Are We Living in the End Times?” by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.

Also a few web sites:
Jack Van Impe Ministries http://www.jvim.com
God’s News Behind the News http://www.godsnews.com
End Times http://www.endtime.com
Contender Ministries http://contenderministries.org/prophecy/endtimes.php

If you Google End Time prophesy you’ll get tons of hits.

Exodus 24:10-11 stood out to me today. 10 There they saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli, as clear as the sky itself. 11 And though these nobles of Israel gazed upon God, he did not destroy them. Can you imagine being able to see God and not be destroyed!? How wonderful that must have been!

Sorry for rambling on today.

Yours in Christ
Skip

[Amit david]

good one skip
deep study
nice topic
bye