February 7th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Exodus 26:1-27:21 ~ Matthew 25:1-30
Psalm 31:1-8 ~ Proverbs 8:1-11

Old Testament - Today in Exodus chapters 26 & 27 we read about God's plans for the Tabernacle, the Altar and the Courtyard.  This is my 6th time reading through the One Year Bible, and I have to admit, I have zoned out a bit when reading these chapters in years past.  But for some reason this year these details were fascinating to me today!   Why the change?  I'm not 100% sure, other than I do think repeated study of the Bible year after year does bear fruit and does grow our interest in every iota of God's Word.  So, if by chance you felt like you were zoning out a bit when reading these chapters today, don't be discouraged.  The interest will definitely come with time and further study of all of God's Word.  Let me recommend to you that you don't skim over chapters like these though.  Please do read each word.  If you skim this year, you'll skim next year and you'll miss out on the fruit that will come from this study.  I have found images really help my understanding of chapters like these, so I'll post up a few images, which will hopefully help you visualize what we've read about today.  Below are a couple of images of the tabernacle and its layout:

A replica of the Altar of Burnt Offering in the outer court:

A replica of the Courtyard, looking toward the tabernacle (you'll see the altar in the foreground and the basin for washing on the left, which we'll read about in chapter 30):

And a replica inside the Tabernacle chamber / Holy Place, looking toward the curtain that cordoned off the Holy of Holies / the Ark of the Covenant.  That's the altar of incense just before the curtain, which we'll read about in Exodus chapter 30.  The lampstand is on the left, and the table for the Bread of the Presence is on the right.  (see replica images in yesterday's post below for more details on these and a replica image of the ark):

New Testament - Today in Matthew chapter 25 we read about the 10 bridesmaids and verse 13 certainly stands out as Jesus teaches: ""So stay awake and be prepared, because you do not know the day or hour of my return."  What do you think it means in our lives today to be "awake" and ready for Jesus' return?  Are you "awake" this very moment and ready for Jesus' return?  One of the most important points of this parable is that when Jesus returns you won't be able to barter or buy your way into the Kingdom.  (as the 5 un-wise bridesmaids tried to do).  You yourself will be ultimately responsible for your own spiritual condition!  Have you owned up to this responsibility?  Below is a watercolor by William Blake from 1822 of the parable of the ten bridesmaids:

Today we read in Matthew chapter 25 verses 14 through 30 Jesus’ “Parable of the Talents.” This story of the three servants has often been a parable I have struggled with.  For a long time I didn't get what was so wrong about the guy who buried the money. "He at least gave back to the master the same amount he was originally given," I thought.  "What's so wrong with that?"  Well, as I read this parable again, the thing that really stands out to me is that this parable is not talking about simply money. . . but I think it is talking about our very lives and our time here on earth.  I read it now as if God gives each of us a certain amount of time to live on this earth and a certain amount of gifts and skills.  And then, we have to ask ourselves - will we simply just go through life very stably & comfortably with those gifts and skills – perhaps even just going through the motions and serving ourselves – to the extent that when God calls us home, we have really not produced much of anything in our lives?  What if we spend our time & gifts in such a way that by the end of it we haven't really blessed or served others?   We simply give back to God at the end of our lives what God gave to us and nothing more.  OR - is it possible that God is calling each of us to do so much more with our lives?  Is God calling us to really use the time, gifts and skills he has given us for something bigger than ourselves?  Is God calling us to produce a great harvest of loving and serving and blessing others in our lives?  So that when we arrive at heaven's gate at the end of our lives we will hear verse 21 from God Himself - "The master was full of praise. `Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'"  How about your life today?  Are you multiplying the skills and gifts that God has given you in your life?  Are you investing your skills and gifts in loving service of others?  Are you at least "doubling" God's investment in you?

Great commentary on Matthew chapter 25 titled "The Parables in the Olivet Discourse" is online at bible.org at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 31 verse 1 is such a powerful start to this powerful Psalm of David's - "O LORD, I have come to you for protection; don't let me be put to shame.  Rescue me, for you always do what is right."  In your life today, do you need protection from something?  If so, will you run to God for your protection?   Do you believe that God can rescue you?  Do you believe that God can save you from shame?  Do you believe that God always does what is right?  Did you catch that verse 5 from this Psalm were Jesus' last words on the cross.... "Into your hands I commit my spirit." (NIV)  Here it is from Luke 23:46 - "Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last." 

Proverbs - I love the beginning of Proverbs chapter 8 with the imagery of Wisdom calling out to all humankind!  Do you hear the call of wisdom in your life today??

Today we read in Proverbs chapter 8 verses 10 & 11: "Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge over pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can be compared with it.”

Worship God:  Somehow all the details in the tabernacle in today's readings and reading about Jesus' parables and his last words on the cross and our need for wisdom in our lives all reminded me of Rich Mullin's song "Creed!"

Do you believe in God the Father?  Click here to meet His Son!

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:  Based on Proverbs 8:10-11 above, Are you seeking God’s instruction in your life above all else? Do you agree with this Proverb that wisdom is far more valuable than riches? Is reading the Bible each day in 2008 adding to your wisdom? Are you seeking to do more than just read the Bible this year? Are you diving into further study of the Bible? Are you allowing your study of the Bible to transform you? Are you allowing the Bible to change how you think, act, and live? Are you allowing the Bible to give you godly wisdom? Will you accept God’s free gift of Biblical wisdom each and every day of your life?  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

[John]

Proverbs 8
Wisdom's Call

Ok, let's try that exercise. Insert Jesus in Proverbs 8 wherever you see the word "wisdom". Remember to not get bothered by the feminine pronouns. In Hebrew there is only masculine and feminine, there is no neuter case. Characteristics are typically all done in the feminine case. So insert Jesus for wisdom, and change the pronouns to masculine.

My reason for trying this gets into a lot of theology. However, note this verse:
1Cor1:24
"but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." NIV
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Jesus inserted for "wisdom"

Seems to be a fit in the first eleven verses. Especially when you look at these:

6 Listen, for I have worthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.

7 My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.

8 All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.

9 To the discerning all of them are right;
they are faultless to those who have knowledge.

Is this true about Christ?

[John]

Psalm 31

"Probably under Psalm
31, your Bible says “a Psalm of David.” It is good to know that may or may not be the case. It
most likely is, but nobody knows that for sure. This is also a much quoted psalm. It was quoted by Jeremiah the prophet. It was quoted by David in Psalm 71. It was quoted by Jesus as he hung on the cross. In all three of those quotations, the psalm was quoted by people who were in distress, people who were struggling with very difficult circumstances." - Pastor Bryan Clark
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Verses 1-4
Familiar opening of Psalms. The Psalmist trusts, submits, is humble and reverant toward God.

"Verses 1 through 5 really are a powerful statement of the writer’s belief in God as a place of refuge, God as his deliverer, his stronghold, his rock, his strength. Obviously those words were penned from a very godly man who walked with God and believed in God and trusted God." - Pastor Bryan Clark

"Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me."

Notice the humility and submission here. David is taking refuge in the Lord, and asking to be delivered/saved. David acknowledges there is nothing he can do to save himself (humility) and asks the Lord to guide him (submission). Sound familiar regarding spiritual Salvation in the Gospels?????

Don't do it Lord because I have done anything to deserve or earn your deliverance - DO IT for the sake of your name - do it for your glory.
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Verses 5-7
Jesus quoted verse 5a on the cross.

Psalm 31:6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD.

It used to bother me when David uses the word "hate" - does this make the OT invalid? Aren't we supposed to "love" our enemies according to Jesus.

I have come to learn that words of emotion in our language do not neccessarily mean the same thing in Hebrew. Rather they are words of contrast or oppposition.

The correct way of looking at this verse is:
“I hate (or I oppose) everyone who promotes these vain idols.”

I have checked a few sources on this subject and will have to be more careful in looking at "emotions" in the future. Without getting technical a good article on the subject is at this link:
http://jewsforjesus.org/answers/jesus/family

David opposes those who cling to false idols - they are just blocks of wood or stone that do man no good. David trusts in a living personal God.

7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love,
for you saw my affliction
and knew the anguish of my soul.

"David (or the writer of the psalm) has a God who is alive, in whom he lives in relationship with, and He hears and He responds and He feels and He cares." - Pastor Bryan Clark

[John]

Exodus 26-27:21

The tabernacle (26:1-37)

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 veil (26:31-35)

Old Testament

The veil served as a partition between the most holy place and the holy place, the most holy place being where God dwelt (26:33). Only the high priest could enter into the most holy place, into the presence of God, and even he could enter only once a year to make atonement for the people (Leviticus 16:2, 34; Hebrews 9:7)

New Testament

When Christ was crucified, the veil of the temple was torn (Mark 15:37-38). The veil symbolized Christ's flesh, which was similarly torn, thereby enabling all his followers to enter into the presence of God (Hebrews 10:19-20).

The altar of burnt offering (27:1-8)

Old Testament

The altar is where animals were sacrificed repeatedly for the people's sins.

New Testament

Christ, the Lamb of God (John 1:36), offered himself up as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27, 10:10).

Followers of Jesus are to offer up their bodies to God (Romans 12:1) and, as a sacrifice, offer up praise to him (Hebrews 13:15).
http://www.pbc.org/files/messages/10447/exo025.html

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Due to not wanting this post to be too long :) If you have an interest:

Courtyard
http://www.bible-history.com/tabernacle/TAB4The_Outer_Court.htm

Symbolism of Metals used, colors used, and of oil for the Lampstand:
http://www.bible-history.com/tabernacle/TAB4Preparing_for_the_Tabernacle.htm

[John]

Matthew 25

Want to post about the ten virgins. In Matthew 24, Christ ends up talking about the final full end (end of the age/world) when the Son of Man comes.

Next are the parables. What are they talking about? Matthew starts out with "at that time" or "then" - when is that? The final full end - the end of the age/world that Jesus was discoursing on at the end of Chapter 24.

If this is true, then we have a problem with traditional teachings of this parable: talking about the virgins as the Church and the oil as the Holy Spirit.

1) The church is the Bride of Christ. Not virgins (those who do not know Christ).

2) The wedding has occured already, and the groom is returning to the wedding banquet. Church at this point is married to Christ, and the virgins are outsiders to the Church.

3) The Holy Spirit cannot be purchased - it is a gift of God.

4) Once given the Holy Spirit you cannot lose Him. It does not run out.

[Note: Oil as "Saving Grace" could be one solution, but I am not comfortable with it for some reason.]
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Ten Virgins

So who are these people? Remember Matthew was written for the Jewish people. Plenty of OT references that they would understand.

Today in Exodus 27:20-21 - The Hebrew tribes are instructed to put oil in the lamp and always keep it lit.

Perhaps this is a picture of the Jewish nation in end times. The picture of the lamp being lit is perhaps the symbolism of the everlasting belief in the covenant between God and Israel. Some will believe, and be open to accepting Christ at the full final end. Those will enter the Kingdom of heaven. Others will not as they let their belief in God and the covenant die out - and they will be shut out from the kingdom of heaven.
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Look, I know this is a very different way of looking at this parable, and I just put it out there for you to consider. Given Matthews intended audience, and the context of following Jesus' discourse at end of Matt 24 - I am loathe to just throw it out as silly. Quite frankly, I am still praying and thinking about it. The full link to the article that caught my attention is here and it has plenty of OT references and explanations:
http://www.raptureready.com/soap/ten_virgins.html

Not ready to post about the talents in next parable yet - still thinking :)

[Blessing]

Exodus chapters 26-27 stood out for me today. The Tabernacule signifies the presence of God among the people of Isreal and the construction took such a careful preparation and instructions from God. Similarly let us take time to make our lives a dwelling place for the presence of God where there is no iota of filthiness. The word of God is able to cleans us from all unrighteous and able to keep us in the presence of God our Father. So let us read it with understanding and punder over what we have read daily.

[Patsy Ray]

Exodus: What really impresses me in the reading of all this detail is how many workers and craftsmen it would take to complete the job. When people work on something, in something, or for something they take more pride in what they are doing because it becomes part of them. God is truly turning the tabernacle into “their” place of worship. In our lives God designs the roadmap He wants us to follow, but we have to physically make the journey ourselves. God doesn’t provide us with a magic carpet to carry us there, instead God provides us with directions and we are responsible for following them.

God Bless!
Patsy Ray

[Julie R]

I have read about the tabernacle & glossed over it several times also. One summer I went to Eureka Springs, Arkansas to the Holy Land tour they have there & they had a full scale replica of the wilderness tabernacle. A man played a Levitical priest that led us around & told us everything & had a Q&A session. It really made it personal as he told how all of it showed Christ. It was a huge place & to know they carried it around & set it up, sacrificed etc was beyond words. To see the Holy of Holies was really awesome to go back in your mind's eye to God's Presence there. The photos you posted brought it all back to me again, thank you.

[Jeff]

10 Bridesmaids?
and/or Virgins?
Who were they?:
Potential brides of the groom?
Friends of the bride? Something else?
Also, where's the bride in this parable?
Would appreciate your thoughts on this to aid my understanding.
Thank you.

[Patsy Ray]

Mike, I interpret Matthew 25 and the parable of the Talents a little differently. In Biblical times a talent was an unit of money but it was also interpreted as a gift or ability, from which we get our word talent. I see this as God not giving money to the workers but instead giving them spiritual gifts in the amount that each had capacity for. When the workers took that spiritual gift and worked with it, the gift increased with usage. The worker that was given the one spiritual gift didn’t use it at all so it became stagnant and did not grow. God gives each of us spiritual gifts but we are expected to take those gifts and work with them and use them to glorify the Lord. We can never use up the gifts because the more we use them the greater they become. If we receive a spiritual gift and bury it, doing nothing with it, then it causes our relationship with God to become stagnant.

God Bless!
Patsy Ray

[Jeff]

Thanks for superb images of the Tabernacle, Mike!

Why does it seem that Jesus sometimes speaks in riddles in His parables? Sometimes the symbolism is very clear -- such as Parable of the Talents; but sometimes pretty difficult -- such as Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids? Why do you think Jesus didn't make his meaning more direct and understandable?

[Kitty]

The images of the Tabernacle really help me to read the passage in Exodus. Thanks so much Mike!

Proverbs 8:10-11 convicts me of the importance of wisdom, far more valuable than riches. I certainly believe that reading the Bible each day in 2008 will add to your wisdom, as the Word of God is the source of all wisdom.

My friends Mark and Helen are starting a 6 wk Tabernacle Experience school. Please support them in your prayers. You can read their blog on: http://www.tabernacleblog.all4him.org/

[John]

Jeff,

Matthew 13:10
"The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?" NIV

Jesus' answer is in Matt:11-17

[John]

oops!
Matt13:11-17

[John]

Matt 25

The Parable of the Talents

Thought a lot about this one. This parable starts out with "again" (or For). Again what? Repeating on the concept of the first parable is "again" - "at that time" - it is describing what will ocuur regarding the end of Matt 24. The full final end - the end of the age/world.
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If the ten virgins represent Israel (being assigned a number has no particular signifigance other than that it may refer to a particular gorup of Jews - the remnant at the end of the age?????) in the intervening time before the Lord's return, and the lamps define their belief in the covenant (keeping the lamp lit (exodus 27:20-21), and thus their openness to accepting Jesus - then who are the servants given the talents in this parable? And what is a "talent"?

Servants
Later in the NT - several times it mentions 'God desires all to be saved'. That is his desire - but in the end it is up to free will. God will not force His love on anyone. When we are saved it is by Accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Savior is easy, all who truly accept Christ accept Him as Savior. Acceptng Jesus as your Lord - that is not quite so easy. Jesus being Lord means we are to be His servant - submitting our will to God out of humility.

So, I think the servants here represent a broadening out of the idea of Israel in the previous parable. This is potentially all mankind in the intervening period before Christ's return. All those who came to know of or knew the Gospel. (Note: How will God handle those who never heard the Gospel? I do not know. Paul says there is no excuse. God makes Himself known to all in some way. I do know - that whatever is done with these people will be fair, just, righteous, and perfect.) So out of all those who knew of the Gospel, who is truly a servant (saved by) the Lord)?

Talent
If the servants are given talents according to their abilities (God's gift), then what are the talents?

The talents are:
-God's property - not of man.
-talents are given so that they may be invested.
-the investment is made on behalf of the absent Lord, not the servant.

So if you have natural abilities - how are they utilized? They are utilized when opportuities arise. I think that is the answer to what "talents" are in this parable. If you believe God is sovereign and has a plan, then God controls opportunities. the talents are God given opportunities to use the natural abilities within us.
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Who is a servant?

Let's take the last first. The servant who is given one talent. What is this God given opportunity? I believe everyone (who knows of the Gospel) has the God given opportunity to be saved. the Lord is fair to all.

What did this servant do? He hid the opportunity - he buried it - he ignored the opportunity. He rejected God's gift. When the Lord confronts him - the servant blames the Lord because He is too harsh. Here - I give it back to you.

Jesus does not argue with the man - he says, if this is how you perceive me - shouldn't you have at least done something with the opportunity? You are not a servant - you rejected my opportunity - you reject me - hence you reject the Father - you are condemned. This man was never a servant - this man is banished to eternal separation from the Lord.

Who are the other two? Well you can get into election here, but obviously they accepted the origianl talent and are saved. They are true servants who when saved are led by God to do the works he predestined before time began. Because they are true servants they utilized the opportunities that God gave them and were given more opportunities equal in number (God has different plans for each of our walk? the opportunities may vary with each person according to our abilities.)
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Each year, I tend to look at this parable a little differently. I just present it for you to mull over and think about - each will come to his own conclusion based on your eyes to see, and your ears to hear - and your understanding of God's Word.

I have relied a lot on Ray Stedman this year to help clarify my thoughts. Link to full sermon is here:
http://www.pbc.org/files/messages/5900/0373.html

jmikeadams@msn.com
2008