~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
Leviticus 16:29-18:30 ~ Mark 7:24-8:10 ~ Psalm 41:1-13 ~ Proverbs 10:15-16
~ Click here to listen to today's Scripture on BibleOnRadio.com ~
Old Testament - Today we finish up Leviticus chapter 16 with a very simple but powerful statement in verse 34 - "Moses followed all these instructions that the LORD had given to him." Moses followed all of the instructions... That sounds so simple, but think about really how amazing it is. Moses did not veer to the left or the right. He stayed on the narrow path. He followed the instructions. The Sermon on the Mount in Matthews 5-7 is a nice summary of some instructions to us from Jesus. Can what was said of Moses be said of us today? Are we following all of the instructions Jesus has given us? Don't beat yourself up over this if the answer is no. Not one of us is perfect this side of heaven - except for Jesus. Moses was not perfect either. But, I think we can hopefully learn something from Moses' obedience to God's instructions. I do believe that each of us today can walk along the narrow path to follow Jesus in faith, follow his teachings in faith, and become more and more like Him as we go. Even if we trip or stumble along the Way, if we continue in our faith in Jesus and who he truly is, we will indeed become more like Him as we follow Him. How well are you doing at following Jesus' instructions in your life today?
Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org's commentary on Leviticus chapter 17, "The Preciousness of Blood," is at this link. A quote from Bob from this link - "The Israelite of old learned from Leviticus, as nowhere else up to that point in time, the preciousness of blood to God. How much greater value does blood take on for the New Testament saint, whose blessings are all a result of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. As Harrison summarizes the matter, "The blood is the life of the flesh (Lev. 17:11), and it is through the atoning blood of Christ that the believer receives redemption (I Pet. 1:18-19), forgiveness (Eph. 1:7), justification (Rom. 5:9), spiritual peace (Col. 1:20), and sanctification (Heb. 13:12)."
Leviticus 18 is primarily a chapter about forbidden sexual practices. However - before we get to those - I think verses 1-5 are incredibly powerful as God reminds the Israelites that he is their God - and that he has set them apart from the pagans surrounding them - and that his laws must be obeyed by the Israelites - "Then the LORD said to Moses, "Say this to your people, the Israelites: I, the LORD, am your God. So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life. You must obey all my regulations and be careful to keep my laws, for I, the LORD, am your God. If you obey my laws and regulations, you will find life through them. I am the LORD." As I read this I see the compassionate nature of God throughout history. The laws were so much better than the pagan ways of the nations surrounding Israel. The laws were better. More compassionate than immorality to be sure. Check out again Bob Deffinbaugh on Leviticus chapter 18 verses 1-5 titled "Obedience—The Obligation of Being Owned" at this link. And below is one of my favorite obedience cartoons... :)
For the rest of Leviticus chapter 18 I'm going to punt once again over to Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org at this link. Here's a quote from Bob at this link - "Leviticus 18:6-29 has a very simple structure and message. Its intent is to define the boundaries of godly human sexual relationships. There are three of them, which I call the inner, middle, and outer boundaries of godly sexuality. Verses 6 through 18 define the “inner boundary,” prohibiting sexual relationships with close relatives. Verses 19 and 20 define the “middle boundary,” which limits sexual relations within marriage and prohibits them outside marriage. Verses 21 through 23 define the “outer boundary” of unnatural sexual relations. Verses 24 through 29 tell us about God’s judgment upon a nation that crosses these boundaries. They clearly tell us that God’s judgment for sexual sin is all nations, not just the covenant nation of Israel."
New Testament - Mark chapter 7 opens up with a gentile woman begging Jesus to release her daughter from the control of a demon. Verses 27 through 29 are a fascinating look at Jesus' ministry - "Jesus told her, "First I should help my own family, the Jews. It isn't right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs." She replied, "That's true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are given some crumbs from the children's plates." "Good answer!" he said. "And because you have answered so well, I have healed your daughter." Here we see that Jesus' ministry was initially to the Jews, but here he heals a gentile woman's daughter because of her humility and faith. And of course as we get to the Great Commission at the end of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus' ministry is clearly for "all nations". In fact, Mark's Gospel is a good indicator of how Jesus' ministry quickly expanded beyond the Jews as Mark likely wrote this Gospel in Rome and to a primarily Roman gentile believer audience. Jeff Miller from Bible.org's commentary on Mark chapter 7 is at this link.
Today in chapter 7 verses 32 through 34 we read - "A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. Jesus led him to a private place away from the crowd. He put his fingers into the man's ears. Then, spitting onto his own fingers, he touched the man's tongue with the spittle. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and commanded, "Be opened!" Instantly the man could hear perfectly and speak plainly!" I love this image below based on these verses... please meditate on this image for a few moments... What do you think is going through this man's mind at this moment? What is he experiencing?
Psalms - Today we read in Psalm 41 verse 1 – “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.” For some reason this verse really opens up my heart. Something about the word “weak.” Maybe this verse really speaks to me because I myself feel weak at times. And yet, I am so blessed in so many ways. And I realize that there are so many others out there in this world who may not have the blessings that I have, and who are struggling through an extremely tough cycle of weakness. And I wonder – what am I doing to help those who are weak? Do I really have regard for the weak? Do you? What in our life really demonstrates that we have regard for the weak? Are we investing time or finances into the weak? Are we praying for the weak? Are we loving the weak?
Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 10 verse 16 is powerful stuff! "The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin." This is so true. I know there have been times in my life in the past where I was not walking with the Lord and I absolutely squandered my money on sin - and my life was certainly not enhanced in the process. For some reason this verse also makes me think about how sometimes we pursue big salaries and big jobs or careers so that we can spend big bucks on a lavish lifestyle. And I wonder... at the end of the day what that game buys us? I don't think much. I have been thinking more and more lately about how much wisdom there is in living a simple godly life. Maybe take a job that pays less.... but where you work less... you are less stressed... but you can do things like spend more time with God, your family, your friends, and serving others.... where you can read more good books... exercise more.... sleep a full 8 hours a night.... enjoy each day and not be so worried all the time about the future... Sure - with a job that pays less you won't be able to be out and about on the town each night living the "high life". But is this really living? Really? In my own life, I do think about how much "earnings" do I really need - and if maybe.... perhaps.... somehow less is actually more?
Worship God: Psalm 41 verse 1 reminded me of the fantastic song by Casting Crowns called "If we are the Body."
Are you the Body? Click here to be part of the Body!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." John 15:4 NIV
Comments from You & Question of the Day - Based on these Proverbs reflections above, do you think living with less can somehow actually add more to our lives? Is there value in living a simple life? What are some simple life habits that you are practicing these days? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Love, Trust, and Obey Jesus,
Mike
It is a good reminder to live simply. However, simply does not mean poorly. In ther era of consumerism and materialism, simple living is against the world tide concept.
“This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21
Nothing wrong with being rich, having riches as the Lord bless. But to guard against the bondage of greed and self-sufficience. Blinded to the needs of the needy. To build faulty confidence and self-worth in riches than on God alone. To store up treasure on earth rather than heaven, because that is where your heart will be.
Posted by: King David | February 24, 2008 at 08:34 PM
i have been thinking lately about how much wisdom there is in living a simple, godly life... maybe taking a job with less pay! Mike u hit a homerun with that one.... what a tremendous thought, lets actually get off the roller coaster the world tells us to get on, and get on the one that could lead to us more happiness and truw joy.... wooooo Glory.... what a tremendous thought!
Posted by: john bowen | February 25, 2008 at 05:02 AM
"What in our life really demonstrates that we have regard for the weak?"
Go to a meeting of Adult Children of Alcoholics and you will find a lot of co-dependent nurses and doctors who choose professions of helping only because being around weakness helps them feel better. 15% of Americans, in fact, have clinical personality disorders where their only pleasures are controlling others and the jobs they most seek are (in order) councilor, K-12 teacher, law enforcement, religious leader, and company executive. This is why all of our actions (esp helping the weak) must be based on loving God first and waiting on His instruction and not feeling good (what most people say motivates them to do good) just as Satan's first attempt to temp Christ was to be useful to the weak by turning stones into bread to feed the hungry.
Speaking of cash, Rainer rates (in my words) people's chances of getting into heaven as U5 to U1 and C1 to C5 and he has found the best predictor of spiritual failure is cash and little else. Mother Teresa was poorly regarded when she suggested a multi-story hospital be built without an elevator (she said just to trust God) and had to leave her church to prove living so simply could be successful before being invited back. When missionaries are asked what they most need, a common response today is, "Just don't send money - that only makes us weaker!"
Be careful what you pray for, generally the worst thing we can get is what we ask for (we're so much better at knowing what we want rather than what we need)... at the very least when we ask for Him to make something happen (like healing a friend) He will say, "OK, go do it and I'll be with you all the way." When the homeless stop me for money, I'm more likely to hand out cards with the phone numbers and addresses of the two dozen closest social services and explain which might be the best for obtaining a free bed, food, a job, and training... and several have tracked me down to tell me that I had saved their lives with just some knowledge of what to do.
IMHO, the best way to demonstrate regard for the weak is how we deal with the speck in their lives to help recognize and deal with the log that's in our own. Kurt Lewin, founder of social psychology, said, “You cannot understand a system unless you change it.” Likewise, to know one's self, one also must change his or herself. How has changing yourself brought about your own improved self-awareness? What is your personal soul encouragement routine and what is your spiritual growth plan? How have you done selling it to the weak to make them as strong (or even stronger) than yourself (to teach them how to fish instead of only giving them fish)?
Posted by: Jim | February 25, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Vicki,
You are welcome. Each year I post Stephen Davey's excerpt from his sermon - listing each book of the Old Testament showing how it refers to Christ.
Every year I get emails and posts saying thanks. I hate to take up so much space, but so many people avoid the Old Testament and concentrate on the New Testament. As you commented, that post should encourage us to study THE WHOLE BIBLE - as it is a very synchronized book with a consistent message. It is all God's Word, and I have been really blessed by digging into the Psalms this year, as I have never really payed much attention to them in my first 3+ years as a Christian.
Posted by: John A. | February 25, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Psalm 41
1 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;
the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.
The Psalms are divided into five books. this is the last Psalm in the first Book. It is worth noting that Book 1 starts with “this is what it takes to be happy in the Lord” and endswith “this is what it takes to be happy in the Lord.” They are bookends that capture the first Book of the Psalms.
Literally, happy is the man who has compassion on the helpless (singular). this is not about someone writing a check to charity. this is about someone who cares and gets involved on a one on one basis with not just the poor - but those who feel overwhelmed, despairing, troubled.
It sounds very much like what Jesus said in Matthew when He said, “Blessed are the merciful for they all receive mercy.” If you have made it a way of life to extend mercy to others, then in your hour of need you will experience the mercy of God.
In verses 1 and 3 the Lord delivers, the Lord protects, and the Lord sustains. Does God do it because we extend compassion unto the helpless. NO, God does it out of his grace and mercy, and because He promised He would extend that grace and mercy to a believer.
It is not until we can walk with God in the Spirit that we can exhibit this grace and mercy to others, and when we do - we begin to understand better that Grace and Mercy God extends to us as believers.
======================================================
4 I said, "O LORD, have mercy on me;
heal me, for I have sinned against you."
David takes the theology from the first three verses and applies it to himself. David understands that God does not owe David mercy for david's works - david just asks for mercy while acknowledging he has sinned against God.
======================================================
When is this written?
It is thought to be written during the time of Absalom returning to Jerusalem at David's request. Verse 6 is in the singular and is thought to be Absalom. Absalom said one thing to David's face and quite another out by the city gate where he slowly gathered followers to war against David.
Verse 9 is probably talking about Ahithophel This was David’s counselor. He was David’s friend; he was like part of the family. He would come in and
eat with David. But Ahithophel betrayed David and sided with Absalom.
It is also Messianic as it applies to Judas as Christ quoted this verse in John 13:7.
======================================================
10 But you, O LORD, have mercy on me;
raise me up, that I may repay them.
11 I know that you are pleased with me,
for my enemy does not triumph over me.
12 In my integrity you uphold me
and set me in your presence forever.
"Repay" in verse 10:
"I don’t think he is talking there about vengeance. I think he just wants to set the record straight. These people are promoting a view of God that simply isn’t right. God has not condemned him. God has not abandoned him. We know from 2 Samuel that David confessed his sin and God forgave his sin. But he still has to live with the consequences of his choices. He just wants to step up and set the record straight. He wants to correct the theology related to God." - Pastor Bryan Clark
David is asking for mercy - David knows God is pleased with him, and will uphold David in his integrity. None of this is because David deserves or has earned this status - David knows this is true because it is how god views believers. Integrity and righteousness are imputed (credited to us) due to faith and belief in God.
"And then he makes an amazing statement: “And you set me in Your presence forever.” As a matter of fact, “You set me in your presence” is a very strong Hebrew word that was used to
describe a soldier crouched and ready to take on the enemy. It is not a soldier at attention; that is a different word. This is a word that is more the idea that he is crouched down and he has his sword and shield ready. When the enemy comes over the hill he is going to let him have it, but there is no way that enemy is getting through. It is a picture that even in this moment, God has set David in His presence and He is crouched. Anyone that wants to take him away, God is going to let him have it. “You can’t take him. He is going to be with me forever.” That is an amazing statement given David’s circumstances." - Pastor Bryan Clark
======================================================
13 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.
Praise be to the Lord, the Godof Israel. Why would God do this? God did it for Himself, that He might put His mercy and grace on display in the heavenlies forever. It was not about David. It was about God and His grace and mercy.
Because of God's grace and mercy, and because David knows God will deliever, and because David knows with assurance his standing with God forever - not because of anything David did, but because David believed and had fiath in God - because of all this David can praise God in this last verse.
Posted by: John A. | February 25, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Proverbs 10:15
"The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,
but poverty is the ruin of the poor." NIV
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Those who have money can make money. The poor man can’t get started; his poverty is his undoing. The rich can buy quality merchandise that lasts longer. The poor buy worn-out, second-hand things that keep them poor with repair bills. This is the way things are in life, but not the way they should be.
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville
Proverbs 10:16
The wages of the righteous bring them life,
but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.
When looked at in the Hebrew "contrast" style. Wages of righteous (believers/those who follow wisdom) is used wisely being led by God and brings "life" - in hebrew context "happiness".
Income of the wicked (non-believer/those who pursue "folly") no matter how it is spent or saved is rooted in self and not using wisdom from God - it just leads to a compounding of the "sin" lifestyle. The wages of sin lead to "death" (separation from God).
Posted by: John A. | February 25, 2008 at 05:07 PM
When I meditate on the image of Jesus healing the deaf and mute man, the look on the man’s face shows that he is awestruck but I also sense some fear in his face. He is also showing admiration and worship, almost like a young child being helped by his parents. The picture is awesome. Thanks for sharing it with us.
************************************************************************************************************************
“Based on these Proverbs reflections above, do you think living with less can somehow actually add more to our lives? Is there value in living a simple life? What are some simple life habits that you are practicing these days?”
************************************************************************************************************************
I truly believe that living with less can add more to our lives. I’ve never looked for “the-big-bucks”. I always looked for a job where I was happy with what I am doing. My father asked me this question when I was a teenager. What is your passion? What is it that you really like doing? Then find a job doing that and you’ll always be happy. It doesn’t matter how much money you make. We all live to our incomes anyway. The most important thing is that we should be happy. When you’re happy with your work, you’ll be happy at home with your family and with your friends. Like you said, maybe you can’t be out-on-the-town, but that doesn’t matter. There is only heart break out-on-the-town anyway. Simplicity is the way. Learn from Jesus. Jesus lived a simple life while He was on Earth. If we want to be like Jesus, part of being like Him is living a simple life away from the cares of this world and having a focus on God.
That being said I need to climb up on my soap box for a moment. I hope I don’t offend anyone with what I’m about to say and if I do I apologize upfront, but being Catholic I think I have the right to say this. I’ve been to Rome many times and I’ve been to the Vatican many times. The first time I was there I was in awe of the beauty. The second time I was there I was disgusted by the amount of wealth. The third time I was there I stood in the middle of St. Peters Square looking at the Basilica and I said it out loud for everyone to hear; “What would Jesus say about all of this grandeur and wealth?” If the Vatican would sell just one piece of art there would be enough money to feed, cloth and house hundreds of thousands of people. My point is that I don’t see the “simple life” in Vatican City. As I stood in St. Peters Square looking up at the Basilica I also kept thinking about what Jesus said to Peter; “Feed my sheep”. I know that the Catholic Church does a tremendous amount of good around the globe and I’m not knocking that. There would be a lot fewer Christians in the world if not for Catholic missions. I’ve just been having a problem getting over the vast amount of wealth the church owns and knowing that millions of people throughout the world need the basics of life; food, clothing and shelter.
Live a simple life, help others and be happy; be as much as Jesus as we can while on the Earth.
:-{D
Yours in Christ
Skip
Posted by: Skip | February 25, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Mark
At first glance there does not seem to be a connection between Jesus' discourse on "clean and unclean" (yesterday's readings) and today's readings.
Notice however that today's readings center around Jesus' ministry in the region of the "Gentiles". To the Jewish person - the Gentile was referred to as a "dog". Israel was God's chosen people, and these people - well, they were not even regarded as people - but as "dogs". This is an extension of the clean and unclean discussion except now it is about people.
Jesus came for the whole world - yes, first it was for the Jew, but ultimately for the "whole" world.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the WORLD that he gave his one and only Son, that WHOEVER believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV-CAPS MINE)
Note Jesus defeats evil, heals sick, and feeds - all the same things He has been doing in Israel. Symbolically it represents His powers in the spiritual world - conquers evil, restores from sin, and feeds the "bread of life".
[NOTE: Jesus is back in the Decapolis region. The last time He was there was in dealing with "Legion". The people asked him to go - now they came to Him in droves. Legion's testimony and witness of God was very powerful.]
======================================================
Jesus in dealing with the deaf and speech impaired man is interesting. Jesus took him aside - touched his ears (indicating He would heal them), touched the man's tongue (indicating his speech would be restored), and looked up to heaven (indicating the source of the healing was God). A sigh - perhaps representing the invisible agency of God in the healing (Holy Spirit???).
Once healed - notice Jesus addresses the crowd "Jesus commanded THEM". The crowd was amazed at the action - the sign - but the man healed knew the source of the act. He was allowed to go witness because he knew the truth. The crowd was commanded (and the verb tense indicates in a continuing manner) not to witness - because they only knew the partial truth. God doesn't deal in partial truths.
======================================================
Feeding the four thousand
I think two things are worthy of note here:
Jesus had compassion for the people - the Gentiles. Preparing the way and as an example to the disciples for their future ministries.
Seven leftover baskets - If the twelve leftover baskets represented Jesus' ability to (spiritually) feed the nation (twelve tribes) of Israel to an overflowing capacity. What about the seven baskets here?
Seven is the number of completeness - so perhaps it means Jesus could spiritually feed the "complete" world. Jews and Gentiles. Or - There are seven continents - so again the concept of the whole world. Or - the tribes in the region were the seven tribes thrown out of Israel - (all the "ites") - so Jesus could feed the Gentiles (again the rest of the world) in an overflowing state.
Posted by: John A. | February 25, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Leviticus
Sabbath - when atonement is done once a year for the nation - they are to cease work - sabbath rest.
When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior - we are resting from trying to earn (work) our way into heaven. We are trusting in, relying on, depending on the Lord. We rest, and leave it up to Christ and His shed blood. On the day we make that commitment to God - our sins are atoned for - not just on an annual basis but forever.
======================================================
God has symbolically pointed out up to now in Leviticus - our needs as mankind - and how He makes provisions to fill them.
Now in Leviticus - God starts discussing Standards of Behavior. However, note the order. God is not a legalist. He does not just throw down commands and expect them to be obeyed by a fallen mankind. First - He provides the basis from which to operate - fulfilling the needs of man so that man has the power to meet the standards. The problem with Israel is that eventually they gave lip service to the sacrifices - and they became ritualistic and never met their needs - thus they, as a nation, became far from God.
The same is true today - Our needs are met and we are given the provision by Christ on being in fellowship and synch with God - then we are to obey the laws written in our hearts. Without Christ - we would have no chance on this matter.
======================================================
Blood
Do not offer blood to false gods, and do not drink the blood.
Life is from God - do not denigrate God by making sacrifices to satyrs (goat idols). There is no power in them, and God is mocked when sacrifices to false gods occur.
Do not drink the blood - yes, because blood represents "life" and "life" is God's to give. On another level - blood drunk from these animals would be partaking from the life of an animal that is part of a fallen creation.
For us - symbolically- we are not to feed on the "flesh" of our fallen life, but - symbolically - on the flesh and blood of Christ - to become one with Him. We are not to partake of the fallen - but the divine.
======================================================
Sex
Some people say this generation is no worse than the last - just more publicized. Maybe. But Historians will point out that the fall of most great civilizations is coincidental to a great decline in moral values (sex included).
God has no problem with sex - as long as it is in a marriage. The list of things not to do - are outside of marriage.
When violated, especially on a widespread basis - it will destroy a nation. Some would even say - God is pointing out here that it is tied to ecological disaster. (The land vomiting out its inhabitants). I leave each one of you to figure that one out.
[email protected]
Posted by: John A. | February 25, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Skip,
I was raised Catholic, and left the church at thirteen. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior 35 years later. When faced with a choice of returning to the Catholic church or going Protestant - there was no choice for me. I did not return to the Roman church.
That being said your observation on wealth in the Catholic church can also be applied to Protestant ministers. Whenever you see excessive wealth by anyone claiming to be a "man" or a "church" of God - it should send up a red flag.
When one sees this - all one has to do is look at the man or church and find out their beliefs and tenets regarding God. When I see it - usually on their official websites - I compare their teachings and beliefs to the bible, and TO ME it is pretty clear how these men and churches should be regarded.
Each person needs to make their own evaluation.
Posted by: John A. | February 25, 2008 at 05:22 PM
John A.
Thanks for the feedback. Sometimes when I say things like that I feel guilty, that I'm being a bad person even though intellectually I know I’m not. I've seen those "Red" flags flying high in the air and I've been praying for guidance as to what direction to go. I haven't received the answer yet. In the meantime I still attend mass and am somewhat active in committee's, but there is a lot that just doesn't feel right. I get more out of listening to Charles Stanley and David Jeremiah then I do from attending mass. That in itself should be sending me a loud message, but then I look at their mega-churches and also get that bad feeling. I will keep praying for His guidance and when the time is right; His time, my direction will be made clear.
Thanks again.
Yours in Christ
Skip
Posted by: Skip | February 25, 2008 at 06:31 PM