Leviticus 20:22-22:16 ~ Mark 9:1-29 ~ Psalm 43:1-5 ~ Proverbs 10:18
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Old Testament - Today in Leviticus chapter 20 verses 23 & 24 we read - "Do not live by the customs of the people whom I will expel before you. It is because they do these terrible things that I detest them so much. But I have promised that you will inherit their land, a land flowing with milk and honey. I, the LORD, am your God, who has set you apart from all other people." These verses are another reminder that God's laws to the Israelites were given to set them apart from the pagans surrounding them and in Canaan. God's laws were given to differentiate what is right and wrong, in comparison to the pagan immoral customs. I wonder about this in our modern world today. As followers of Jesus, do you think we should be "set apart" from what the modern world tells us to do & how to live? Should we or should we not be living by the customs of our modern world? How are you living your life today? If someone examined your life, would they see that you are set apart from the customs of our modern world? Bob Deffinbaugh's commentary on Leviticus chapters 21 & 22 is at this link.
New Testament - Today in Mark chapter 9 we read about the Transfiguration! I heard a wonderful sermon recently about the Transfiguration. The sermon basically was stating that the Transfiguration of Jesus into a dazzling white & God's voice showed to James, John, and Peter that Jesus was truly divine and the son of God. And, the sermon suggested this Transfiguration took place relatively closely to Jesus' arrest and death - as such, the Transfiguration was meant to give these 3 apostles the hope that even during the dark days that were soon to come during the arrest, trial and death of Jesus, that they truly were following the Messiah and that he would rise from the dead - although they didn't quite understand the rise from the dead part at this time. I think it is important for us to remember that we have the knowledge of the full story of Jesus, including his resurrection - hindsight is 20/20 - but the apostles did not know exactly what was going to happen at this particular time. The Transfiguration was an incredible sign of God's control in all that was happening and would happen to his beloved son Jesus. Commentary on the Transfiguration is at bible.org at this link
Verse 24 is an amazing statement from the father of a possessed boy to Jesus- "The father instantly replied, "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!"" I have heard this verse mentioned by the late Christian writer Henri Nouwen. One of his simple prayers that he would pray very often - throughout his day - was simply, "Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief." I know that I have uttered this prayer on occasion in the past and it's been an amazing little prayer to pray - at any time of the day. Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief. (The Genesee Diary is the book by Henri where I believe I read about him praying this short prayer where he kept a diary when spending several months in a trappist monastery. This book is a great read to remind us to slow down in our busy lives!)
Psalms - I think Psalm 43 verse 5 starts off with a couple of questions that then answer themselves by the end of the verse - "Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God!" I would agree with what this verse is getting at. If I find myself to be discouraged or sad, it comes as no great surprise to me that I have been putting my hope in things other than God. I have been perhaps even praising false idols. And the sure fire way to be freed from the discouragement or sadness? To put my hope once again in God and God only. And to praise him again! I think this Psalm verse is a great reminder to make sure we are not placing our hope in anything other than God. For anything other than God will only leave us empty in the end.
Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 10 verse 18 tells us - "To hide hatred is to be a liar; to slander is to be a fool." Powerful teaching for us to consider. Let us pray that we will not be foolish...
Worship Video: Our readings today in Leviticus and Psalms reminded me of Josh Wilson's song "I Refuse:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B1Lv8k5pEc
Do you refuse to live a lukewarm life? Click here for the ultimate Yes to life!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 43:5 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that when you are downcast you will put your hope in God. Pray that you will always praise God, even when you are downcast. Pray for your Savior and your God to comfort you.
Comments from You & Question of the Day - What do you think of the image above in the Psalms section? I find it to be very powerful - and relates to the OT reflections on being "set apart." How do you set yourself apart from the world for God? Are there particular movies or TV or radio programs that you will not watch or listen to? Should we set boundaries for ourselves on what we will and will not watch? Personally, I will admit that I don't watch rated R movie these days. I just know what those movies will typically be trying to "sell" me - and I ain't buying. I do think that we should think about the Holy Spirit indwelling in us and how we might want to set ourselves apart on occasion of what we won't participate in, that the rest of the world wouldn't blink at participating in. What are some examples of how you try to set yourself apart from the world for God? 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
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.
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February 27th
In today’s NT readings we have the incident of the Transfiguration of Jesus. It was witnessed by the three core disciples, Peter, James and John.
Mark 9: 9 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”
2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.
The word in Greek for transfigured is Metamorphoo; the word we get metamorphosis from in English. This is the same term we use of a caterpillar changing into a butterfly.
Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus on the mount and the disciples are amazed at what is taking place. I think we all would have been stunned. Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophets and the Law. Peter suggest that three booths be made, but a theophany tells the disciples: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” and the scene returns to normal, again. Jesus instructs the apostles to keep this a secret until He has risen from the dead.
Much could be said of the Transfiguration, but I found a succinct explanation of its primary significance, involving the Kingdom and the Messianic Secret, with which I agree:
“Jesus is God the Son. His ministry on Earth was to display the coming kingdom of God and reveal the pathway to citizenship in that kingdom. In order to do this, he revealed his divine nature to humanity in very real ways. The Transfiguration event was probably the most definitive revelation of Jesus as divine next to the resurrection itself. Here Jesus is shown to be greater than the Law and the Prophets and that he was the beginning of the new covenant of grace that brings humanity to salvation and glory to God.” [From Biblestudytools.com]
Maranatha! IC -|- XC
Prayer for Today:
Lord, accept the sacrifices made by my persecuted Christian family as worship. Their love for You inspires me, and I join with them in responding to Your love. Amen.
Posted by: Jeffrey | February 26, 2022 at 10:41 PM
Yesterday, our Pastor preached on the Transfiguration -- the sermon was titled "Listen to Him" (from Mark 9:7). He asked us to imagine that we were there along with Peter, James, and John when God instructed them to 'Listen to Him'. Then he went on to describe how we would be if we did listen to Jesus. First, he quoted some OT scriptures: Hosea 6:6 "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." and the oft-quoted verse from Micah "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Then, not surprisingly, he transitioned to the New Testament (Mt 22:34-39) and focused on Jesus' answer to the question about The Greatest Commandment: "Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"
"Listen to Him"... and follow!
Godspeed,
J
Posted by: J | February 26, 2022 at 10:46 PM
I love to set myself apart in my prayer and reading time whether in my bed quietly at night or in mornings listening to audio Bible on way to work. I listen to soothing music in class. I stay to my self throughout day at school or during planning. Pray and write in journal. I raise hands in worship at church..sing quietly going around my class. I only listen to soft innocent shows before bed. Light hearted comedy or game shows. That's how I set apart
Posted by: Danella Manville | February 27, 2022 at 08:32 PM