February 10th One Year Bible Readings

Exodus 30:11-31:18 ~ Matthew 26:47-68 ~ Psalm 32:1-11 ~ Proverbs 8:27-32
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Old Testament - Today in Exodus chapter 30 we read about the bronze basin.  The bronze basin was used by the priests to cleanse themselves before performing their duties. It was cast from bronze mirrors donated by women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle:

Chapter 31 verses 1 through 3 stood out to me today: "The LORD also said to Moses, "Look, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, intelligence, and skill in all kinds of crafts."  These verses make me wonder about our lives.  Has God chosen you?  What has God given you as gifts and skills?  Do you believe that your gifts, skills, and wisdom come from God?  Are you using these gifts, skills, and wisdom in the service of God?

In verse 13 we read: "Tell the people of Israel to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you forever. It helps you to remember that I am the LORD, who makes you holy."  How about for you? Do you think taking one day of rest – true rest – as a Sabbath is a good idea? Is there an activity that you are doing 7 days a week, that you can do just 6 days a week? Are you over-scheduling yourself maybe 7 days a week? Can you take 1 day a week to not be scheduled? Tons of great Biblical commentary on the Sabbath is online at bible.org at this link, and at this link, and at this link.  Today's OT readings finish with verse 18: "Then as the LORD finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, written by the finger of God."

New Testament - In Matthew chapter 26 we read about Jesus' arrest.  Below is reproduction of a 5th century mosaic of the infamous "Judas Kiss":

Verses 53 & 54 stood out to me today when Jesus says: "Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?""  After praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was prepared for what must happen now...  Notice how prayer came before this confidence for Jesus of what must happen now.  (and Jesus knew that he could call down angels for protection - but he knew he shouldn't)   Do you model Jesus' action of praying before embarking on a significant life decision or trial?  Below is Jesus on trial before the Council:

When Jesus is before the Council, verse 64 is so powerful when Jesus is asked if he is the Messiah, the Son of God: "Jesus replied, "Yes, it is as you say. And in the future you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God's right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven.""

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 32, which is a wonderful testimony of joy about God’s gift of forgiveness to us when we confess our sins to God! In Psalm 32 verses 1 & 2 we read: “Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!” Do you agree with this Psalmist that there is joy in forgiveness? Have you confessed your sins to God? Do you make a regular habit of examining your conscience and confessing your sins to God? After confessing your sins, do you continuously pray to God to heal you of sins that may be gripping you? Will you then move forward on the actions or corrective measures that God leads you to - to truly be healed of addictive sins? Will you seek the joy of God’s forgiveness? Will you seek to live your life in complete honesty to God? Below is the famous painting titled "Forgiven."  Please take a few moments to meditate upon this painting.  How does it speak to you?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 8 verses 27 through 32 are an incredible look at how wisdom was there as God formed the earth!  And how wisdom is still here today asking us to listen.  Are you listening to the voice of wisdom?  Are you listening to the voice of Truth?

Worship God:  Psalm 32:1-2 reminded me of the new Sanctus Real song called "Forgiven." Here's a great live version of the song they played on K-LOVE (after a 2 minute interview):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCrpnnI7mfY

Are you Forgiven?  Click here for forgiveness!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit." Psalm 32:1-2 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray to Jesus to forgive your sins. Pray that there is no deceit in your spirit.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Psalm 32 is a powerful Psalm on confession and forgiveness.  How do you confess your sins these days?  Do you confess them verbally to someone else - a pastor / minister / priest / mentor / friend / accountability partner?  Why do you confess them verbally?  Do you confess your sins to God in prayer?  After confessing your sins verbally or in prayer do you feel any different?  Do you think confession is relevant? Do you think confession is a spiritual discipline that should be practiced regularly?  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

[Ramona]

Exodus 30:11-31:18

Two things absolutely jumped out at me in today’s readings, the first, the redemption price for all males when a census is taken and the second, the mandate that priests must wash in the bronze basin before ministering to the people. It is not that I haven’t read this before but I just received an entirely deeper depth of understanding and questions are racing in my head. Anka, you mentioned how both the rich and poor had to pay the same amount, 1/5 of an ounce of silver, when a census is taken. First, note that this only happens when a census is ordered. When is a census taken and for what reason? More importantly, who would order a census in Israel? It is definitely not the “common” folk; it is someone in authority, in leadership like a king. If God orders a census then He knows the state of everyone’s pocketbook.

Perhaps the poor folks, if listening to God, will go fishing and find something in the first fish’s mouth. This explains something we will see happen when we get into the books of history, I and II Samuel and the two books of Chronicles. To understand the impact of this “tax,” leadership would HAVE to be, or not be, concerned about the poor and possibly think that the number of his fighting troops guaranteed victory and not his God. If there are a lot of men folk, then I can risk going to war; however, if God didn’t tell you to fight, well you are using the people as a tool for your own gain and glory, not God’s. Hmmm, Large numbers, or the lack of them doesn’t assure victory or defeat in God’s economy. Anyone old enough to remember the Six day war?

On to the second thing, the basin and washing before ministering. The past couple of days we have read about the costly materials in building the tabernacle and in the making of the priests’ costly outer garments, today we read about the “washing”. Previously Mike asked us about dressing up or down for church and I wondered if some of our desire to dress up, and for some to really dress up, did not come out of hearing the descriptive words and our desire to maybe appear more like priests then “common” people. Jesus rebuked those who wore long robes, dressed up folk, who wore them to give the appearance of their holiness. We will read about those who came to Jesus complaining that His disciples did not participate in ceremonial washing, following the traditions of men and not God.

Could these guys who wanted to set the pace and plans of worship instead of sticking to what God had prescribed, thus adding a greater burden to an already weighty system, be amongst us today? Could we be that someone? Ouch. What has Christ prescribed for us to achieve worship, and what are we doing and calling it worship, holiness and piety (John 4:24)?

I may be back on line to answer some of the other questions; however, those two things really rocked my world this morning.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

P.S. This site is just FABULOUS!! All of us are feeding on the Word and we are all helping each other with the "Food" that we cannot handle because we are all at different levels of maturity. Babies are having their food cut-up for them and the mature are eating prime meat. Glory to God.

[Chris D]

Two days ago, the verses for memory and meditation were Matt 25:34-36 (Then the King will say to those on the right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, ... '). While meditating on these, what struck me even more were the three verses that follow (Matt 25:37-39): "Then the righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you ... '". It struck me that these are all prophetic verses (starting at v31)... and verses 37-39 tell me EXACTLY the words I will one day be saying to Jesus! What beautiful words to commit to mind and heart.

[Frederick Y]

Numbering of People

In David's time (II Samuel 24), David asked Joab to number the Israelites. God later inflicted a pestilence on Israel. I believe the biblical basis of God's pestilence is in today's reading: Exodus 30:11-16.

[Sam]

I love the detail with which God expresses the symbolism in His plan. What an awesome God!

[Raeann]

66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
I confess my sins in prayer.

[Chris]

Loved the song today and the forgiveness message. I usually confess my sins daily during my prayer time; but today during my prayer time, I remembered that I need to forgive others too.

[Mike]

I do feel differently once I confess. I feel the joy because I know I'm forgiven and have a clean slate. I also feel ashamed that i sinned against God, especially given the price Jesus paid for me. I do confess to accountabilty partners, but mostly to God in prayer.
Confession is a discipine that is potentially easy to ignore if you turn away from the Holy Spirit convicting you. I have fought it at times, and it is a miserable time.

[Lily]

Dressing up for church for me is a sign of respect. On the other hand the church , I believe is for all believers and everybody is welcome to worship God (formal or casual, rich or poor, etc.)

Confession is good for the soul. Burden is always lifted everytime I confess my sins, shortcomings to God through prayer. I have to learn to forgive myself & others though in order to feel God's unending love & forgiveness.

[Janice Hash]

The Ten Commandments were written with the Finger of God. The heavens are also the finger work of God.
There are many places today where we can see the finger of God. Take a drive, take a walk and keep your eyes open. God is everywhere.

[John A.]

Chris D.

"It struck me as strange that there is no "Peter-like" comment made to Judas, or gasps of disbelief or questioning."

There is no way of knowing the hub-bub at the table. Jesus had just said - one of you will bretray me. I am sure there is a reaction to that at the table - apostles talking amongst themselves.

We do not know how loud Judas and Jesus were speaking.

The fact that Peter is not recorded as saying something might indicate that he did not hear.

John MacArthur says this:
"John 13:24 tells us that at that particular moment Peter leaned over to John, who was on the right side of Jesus, and told John to ask the Lord who the betrayer was. Apparently Peter didn't hear the discussion of Matthew 26:25 between Judas and Jesus. So John said, "Lord, Who is it? Jesus answered, He it is to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot" (John 13:25-26). At that point John knew who the betrayer was while the rest did not."
http://www.biblebb.com/files/mac/2383.htm

If Judas was on the left - and close to Jesus then it is possible no one heard the exchange.
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"And finally, in Matt 26:29, when Jesus says "Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom", what might "new" mean?"

The NIV translates it "anew" starting up again where we left off. The Greek indicates a freshness - it will be new and different because it will be in the Kingdom, with the return of Jesus as the Lion of Judah (His Kingly Role)rather than the Lamb of God He is in this visit.

Jesus has told the apostles several times He is going to die - when he returns (whether they want to acknowledge it or not) it will be the second time.

The important thing here is the promise that Jesus is coming back, and the Passover Will be shared again with our Lord.

It could have happened when the apostles were alive. but it did not. It will be in the Millenial kingdom when the saints have glorified bodies and will eat and drink the Passover with the Lord.

[John A.]

Matt26:63b-64a

Skeptics often say - Jesus never proclaimed to be Deity. Sometimes I wonder if, we are reading the same Bible. Doesn't bother me if they do not believe Jesus is deity, but to deny that is what is written down is somewhat unsettling.

"The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied." NIV

Or King James version - "Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said:"

Whether in the English or Greek it seems pretty clear to me.

"Christ" - anointed - referring not as to a proper name, but as in the role of the Messiah.

"Son of God" - that is the literal translation.

And Caiaphas tore his clothes, claimed blasphemy, and ushered in a quick death sentence

"Caiaphas did what a high priest had the right to do when God was dishonored--tear his garments (Lev. 21:10). But in Caiaphas's case it was mere theatrics. He wasn't concerned about God's name; He was happy because Jesus could now be executed. But he put on a show to appear grieved. Such histrionics were typical among ancient peoples. Whenever they wanted to express grief, distress, or intense emotion, they would rip their clothes. It may well have been that members of the Sanhedrin wore garments that had been sewed many times because they had performed those kind of theatrics before. Caiaphas ripped his clothes to appear as if he were defending the holiness of God, but inwardly he was rejoicing at the prospect of getting rid of Jesus Christ."

http://www.biblebb.com/files/mac/sg2390.htm

As you can see in this link, and I have verified in other Jewish sources - this trial did not go as per the rules of Law at the time within the Jewish community. It was a sham!

[John A.]

Exodus 30:11-31:18

The basin (30:17-21)

Old Testament

The priests were to wash themselves to be ritually clean before proceeding into the tent.

New Testament

The blood of Jesus cleanses his followers from sin and unrighteousness (1 John 1:7, 9). Believers have been washed by Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11), have been cleansed by the word of Christ (Ephesians 5:26) and have had their bodies washed with the pure water of Christ (Hebrews 10:22).
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The craftsmen (31:1-11)

Old Testament

Those who built the tabernacle were filled with the Spirit of God and were skillful, or wise, so as to build the tabernacle (31:3-6).

New Testament

Christ, filled with the Spirit of God (Mark 1:10, Colossians 2:9), who is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24), builds not the tabernacle but the church (Matthew 16:18), which is a spiritual temple (Ephesians 3:19-20).

Followers of Jesus are God's craftsmen created for good works (Ephesians 2:10) who are gifted by the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) for the building up of the body of Christ, the spiritual temple (Ephesians 4:12).

http://www.pbc.org/files/messages/10447/exo025.html
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Anointing Oil and Incense

At the bottom of this linked page:
http://www.bible-history.com/tabernacle/TAB4Preparing_for_the_Tabernacle.htm

[Chris D]

Thanks, John. Great feedback for me!

As for confession & Sabbath, Wednesdays are quickly becoming my primary Sabbath, and often they are days of confession. I have lots of quiet time available on Wed, so I use much of it to read and meditate on God's Word. (And maybe to catch up on the blog :-)!!) Thursday has recently become a day of service for me, so I find that Wed has also become a day of examination, reflection, confession and prayer about my upcoming service. It all flows and it is all interspersed. And for the past few weeks, I've been able to close out the day at an evening worship service. Just about as perfect a day as I ever thought I'd have.