Christadelphians Talk

Thoughts on the readings for March 17th (Leviticus 25, Psalms 135, 136, Luke 8)

Leviticus 25 tells of the year of the Jubilee (Hebrew, “Yobal”). This was the year of release for all manner of servitude; land reverted to the original family owner with the cancellation of all debts. It occurred every 50th year and began 49 years and 6 months after the completion of the previous Jubilee; and lasted for 1 year. Its commencement was marked by the sounding of the silver trumpet, which spoke of redemption. There are many incredible patterns associated with the Yobal, both in ancient times and also in the modern era. 1847 the series of lectures delivered by John Thomas, which produced the remarkable book “Elpis Israel” (at the same time Karl Marx released the Communist Manifesto in his book“Das Kapital”). 1897 was the first Zionist Congress in Basle, Switzerland, where Theodore Hertzl declared “today I founded the Jewish State”; which in fact occurred 50 years later on when in 1947 the United Nations Select Committee on Palestine, UNSCOP, decided to partition the Promised Land leading on to the declaration of the State of Israel on 14th May, 1948 (the flag of Israel was raised at midnight following that day – making it actually the 15th of May Jewish time; but the Declaration of the State of Israel had occurred on May 14th). Now for the chapter breakdown:Verses 1 to 7 Sabbath for the Land;Verses 8 to 13 The Year of Jubilee;Verses 14 to17 Regulations for sale and purchase;Verses 18 to 22 Exhortations against fear of shortages;Verses 23 to 24 Land rights ultimately belong unto Yahweh;Verses 25 to 28 Assistance to the poor to help withre-purchase;Verses 29to 34 Laws of house sales:Verses 29to 30 MetropolitanVerse 31 CountryVerses 32 to 34 Houses andfields of the LevitesVerses 35 to 38 Usury not to be taken from a brother;Verses 39 to 46 No Israelite to be made a bond slave, only of the Gentiles;Verses 47to 55 Redemption of a poor Israelite from servitude to a stranger.
Psalms 135 and 136 speak of identical themes, but with slightly different words. The recurring phrase in Psalm 135 is the need to praise the name of Yahweh because of His mighty deeds on behalf of His people, Israel. The Psalm could be entitled, “Your Name, O Yahweh, endures forever”. The Psalmist traces God’s awesome deeds performed on behalf of Israel from the time the patriarch Jacob, that is Israel, took possession of the Promised Land. The nation was our Sovereign’s peculiar treasure, as verse 4 tells. The song traces the providence of the Almighty for His people as He delivered them from Egypt. It outlines their Maker’s care for them in giving them victories over the giants of Sihon the king of the Amorites and Og, king of Bashan. Their Omnipotent Creator gave them the Land promised to their faithful forefathers. What power in heaven, or in earth, is comparable to our LORD’s. The gods of the heathen are impotent idols. And as verse 18 declares, “They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusts in them.” Who is it that you have placed your trust in? Hopefully not in yourself. For what folly that would be! Hopefully you are not striving for material success. Again, how futile is that! But slowly read aloud the final three verses of the song and make the affirmation with the Psalmist, “Blessed be Yahweh out of Zion, who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise to Yahweh (Hallelujah)”.Psalm 136, as Psalm 135, commences by praising the creative might of our Omnipotent Creator. It once more outlines the Almighty’s providential care for His people, Israel. The choir would sing of the victorious LORD and His triumphing over every foe of His people. Then the entire nation would acclaim that truth by uttering the refrain, “O give thanks to the Lord of lords…”, or “to the God of gods”; and similar phrases dotted throughout the Psalm. However the most pronounced; and greatly emphasised refrain is, “for His mercy endures for ever”. Repetition is a great tool for learning and understanding the core message of the Psalm. Never let us forget that,“OUR SOVEREIGN’S MERCY ENDURES FOR EVER”.And let us praise and thank Him constantly for that wonderful and dependable character of our God.
Luke chapter 8 begins by naming some of the women who accompany our Lord and his Apostles. Among them was Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s nobleman (consider some of the difficulties this may have occasioned – perhaps very similar to Obadiah, the steward of Ahab; who had fed 100 of Yahweh’s prophets during the great drought). The Parable of the Sower is taught, as the basis of understanding all of our Lord’s parables. As we have seen it can be called the parable of the soils; as the seed sown is the same – it was the response that differed. The chapter then records an explanation from Jesus as to why our Lord spoke in parables. It was to reveal the message to the seekers and to confound the self righteous. The teaching by parables is a fulfilment of Christ’s mission and is explained in Psalm 78:1-4 and Isaiah 6:1-13. Then follows the parable of the lamp on the table which outlines the disciple’s responsibility to spread the Gospel. Jesus’ mother and brothers, being concerned for him, seek to curtail his preaching. They are told to join the supporters rather than those who are slowing down God’s work. Next Jesus calms a storm demonstrating that he is indeed the Son of God (see Psalm 107 verses 23 to 32). The chapter then says that he heals the man called Legion. Whose curing is proved by the destruction of the pigs. The Jews should not have been breeding these as the Law of Moses forbad it. The record follows with the curing of the woman with the issue of blood for 12 years (note Luke’s ironic comments about his fellow doctors). Then Jesus raises the twelve year old daughter of Jairus (whose name means ‘enlightenment’) and presents her alive to her parents. Christ shows that he is indeed the Good Shepherd of John 10 when he said to the child “little lamb arise”.

Thoughts on the readings for March 16th, (Leviticus 24, Psalms 131, 132, 133, 134, Luke 7)

Luke 7 begins with the healing of a faithful and loved Roman Centurion’s servant. The Centurion had built a synagogue for the Jewish people – most likely in Capernaum. As a man in command and also under the authority of Rome he saw our Lord Jesus Christ as the emissary of God. Jesus announces that the Centurion’s faith exceeded any faith that could be found in Israel. This man was truly the seed, and heir of Abraham’s kingdom (Romans 4:13; Genesis 12:3). In the town of Nain Jesus raises a widow’s son. Messengers are sent to our Lord Jesus Christ from a disconsolate John the Baptist, who was languishing in Herod’s prison at Machaerus. Jesus immediately performs many miracles before John’s messengers and refers them to Isaiah 61. The Lord then remonstrates with the crowd on their fickleness – Jesus and John are both the Father’s wise children. Not a greater man among had ever been born of a woman than John, except the Messiah himself. The chapter next says that a sinful woman, who comes into the house of Simon the Pharisee, anoints Jesus’ feet in love – and because of her great love she is forgiven greatly for her sins. Simon and those with him are instructed by Christ on the basis of divine forgiveness ie love. Let us pause, ponder and learn this.

Thoughts on the readings for March 15th (Leviticus 23,Psalms 128, 129, 130, Luke 6)

Leviticus 23 deals with the feasts of Yahweh, of which there were 8 – the weekly Sabbath, the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, the festival of the Blowing of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, the Feast of Tabernacles and lastly the Feast of the Eighth Day (called by the Jews Shemini Azaret, or Day of the Righteous). Note the repetition of patterns of 7 and 8 associated with these Feasts. The term “convocation” used of the Feasts means“an appointment”, or a “rehearsal”. These were typical of our Lord Jesus Christ. They were the shadow, he was the reality. The chapter breakdown is as follows: Verses 1-2 the holy convocation;Verse 3 the Sabbath;Verses 4 to5 the Passover;Verses 6 to 8 the feast of unleavened bread;Verses 9 to 14 the sheaf of the first fruits;Verses 15to 21 the feast of weeks;Verse 22 the gleanings of the stranger;Verses 23 to 25 the feast of trumpets;Verses 26 to 32 the Day of Atonement;Verses 33 to 44 the feast of Tabernacles;Verse 36 the feast of the eighth day.Eight is the number in the New Testament, which speaks of our Lord Jesus Christ.The following analysis of the Feasts is presented for the reader’s’ consideration:The weekly Passover spoke of the rest Christ at initially gives to the followers –Matthew 11 verses 28,30 to 12 verse 8; and finally completed in the Kingdom rest Hebrews 4 verses 7 to 11.The Passover and the Feast of unleavened bread1 Corinthians 5 verses 7 and 8.(Christ the sheaf of the first fruits 1 Corinthians 15 verse 23)The Feast of Weeks (called in the New Testament, “Pentecost”) the time when the old covenant, or the Ten Commandments, was first given at Sinai; and the ecclesia founded by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost(Acts 2 the entire chapter).These all related to our Lord’s first advent.Then the Feast of Trumpets speaking of the judgments at the commencement of Jesus’ coming and preliminary to the setting up of his kingdom – Revelation 10, 11 verses 15 to19.The Day of Atonement speaks of the sacrifice of Christ, in which God’s righteousness is upheld, revealed and demonstrated, and by which God has reconciled the world to Himself. It also speaks of Israel’s national conversion; their acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour – Zechariah 12 verse 7-13.The Feast of Tabernacles, or booths, tells us that our Lord Jesus Christ has found rest for his faithful followers and they must come apart and contemplate the grace of their God and His incomparable Son. It will also be the festival observed by the mortal nations during the Kingdom Age – Zechariah 14 verses 9, and 16 where the nations of the entire earth will have their minds focused on the same lessons.The eighth day speaks of the fulfilling of God’s purpose after the Millennium, and the following resurrection and judgment when every remaining mortal person, will be immortalised –1 Corinthians 15 verses 24 to28.
Psalm 128 talks of the blessing to those who reverence their God and walk before Him in the paths of righteousness. The labours of the faithful will be productive and their will blessings on family life. But the ultimate blessing is peace ie fellowship with our Sovereign in the Kingdom Age; for says the Psalm, the blessings flow from Zion (Isaiah 2 verses 1 to 4).Psalm 129 tells us that the path of the righteous is strewn with obstacles and trials. But never lose heart for in due season we shall reap if we faint not(Galatians 6 verses 6 to10).Psalm 130 provides us with great consolation. It was the Apostle John who said, “if your heart condemns you, Fear not for God is greater than your heart”. The Psalmist tells us that the LORD does not mark sin against those who have confessed to Him and been forgiven. What an awesome God is ours. But this forgiveness brings immense responsibility for His children, who reverence Him; who desire to walk faithfully wrapped in His love; and whose conscience smites them when they fail their gracious Father, so they immediately turn to God, and confess and acknowledge their sin; they repent and renounce their sin, and they humbly seek forgiveness of their sin.
Luke chapter 6 tells us of the rebuke that our Lord Jesus’ foes issues to Jesus’ disciples for supposedly breaking the Sabbath. The Lord shows from the Scriptures that, based on the record of David in 1 Samuel 21 – the disciples, like David were blameless and that the Son of God was “the Lord of the Sabbath”. Next our Lord cures a man with a withered hand, again on the Sabbath. This man had undoubtedly been placed in the synagogue to trap the Lord. Instead Jesus’ enemies found that they themselves had the tables turned on them. Jesus uses the occasion to teach the lessons of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is for helping and healing: Isaiah 561-8; 58 verses 6 to14. Read those words aloud and ponder their meaning for the way we must live. After a night in prayer to His Father Christ chose his twelve Apostles. The record says that multitudes come to him and are cured. The chapter follows by outlining our Lord Jesus Sermon on the Plain. No doubt this is a separate occasion from Matthew 5-7. The themes are common as the message did not change. The Beatitudes, or blessings producing happiness, to the citizens of Zion who will be granted glory in Messiah’s kingdom are outlined. They present a complete picture of the character of our Lord Jesus Christ. On this occasion the counterpart of the curses upon the enemies of the Kingdom are enumerated. Like the Matthew record, we are once more told, that we 1) need to love our enemies in order to be as our Father; 2) must not to be censorious and hypocritical by finding fault in others; 3) a tree is be known by its fruits ie the outcomes, or behaviours, of our lives; 4) need to build our faith and lives on the rock that is our Lord Jesus Christ: Ephesians 2 verses 17 to 22.

The Life Of Christ # 75 The Bread of Life (John 6: 22-47) by John Martin

The Life Of Christ # 75 The Bread of Life (John 6: 22-47) by John Martin

Thoughts on the readings for March 14th (Leviticus 22, Psalms 125, 126, 127, Luke 5)

Leviticus 22 completes the description for the requirements of the priests. Verses 1-9 tell of the processes for the priests to reverently eat of the holy things associated with the offerings. Verses 10-13 spoke of those holy things which the families of the priests were allowed to eat. Verses 14-16 describes the need for a trespass offering to be made if a person ate of the holy things unintentionally. Verses 17 to 20 outlines the need for a perfect animal to be presented as a burnt offering. Note Malachi’s rebuke to those who offered a blemished animal – Malachi 1 verses 8-9. Verses 21-25 tell of matters associated with the peace offering. As this offering spoke of fellowship with the LORD it was essential that the animal offered was physically perfect. Verses 26-28 tell about the age requirement for an animal to be offered. Verses 29-33 repeats the holiness required to be shown by the offerer and that the provider of the sacrifice was to be truly thankful when offering to their God.
Psalm 125 describes the surrounding strength and enveloping protective arms of the LORD around His people and city of Jerusalem. The understanding of this coupled with the trust of the faithful sustained the city’s residents during the Assyrian siege. And for that trust the Almighty delivered them and brought to them that seemingly impossible peace.Psalm 126 tells of the restoration of Jerusalem and those who experienced the deliverance felt that it was so unbelievable that it was just like a dream. Their terror was turned to joy and laughter. The saved inhabitants sought opportunity to praise and extol their great and glorious God. They had sown scarce and precious seed in tears, but Yahweh had blessed His people Israel so that they would reap an abundant harvest.Psalm 127 reveals the secret for peace and blessings from our Sovereign. Jerusalem’s watchmen we’re wary and terrified. The city’s defences were useless without the Yahweh’s oversight of and care for His people. Anxiety is removed by taking all our cares and concerns to our Father in prayer – Philippians 4:5-7. Slavery or death seemed inevitable to the Jerusalem’s residents, but God would bless the faithful with sons and daughters. Faithful sons are like true arrows which will be directed into the hearts of the Father’s enemies. I’m sure many faithful believers have felt the encouragement when our families become actively involved in the service of the Almighty as Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15 verse 58.
Luke records in his 5th chapter the call of fishermen to become Jesus’ Apostles. Peter, Andrew, James and John were mending their nets, but they are miraculously given an incredible catch when they obey our Lord. Their job from now on was to catch men for the Gospel. We too are charged to catch men and women for the kingdom: Mark 16:15-16. The chapter records the next miracle as the curing of a leper, who totally believes In Jesus’ power to make him “whole”. The leper’s only question was would the Lord be willing. The cleansed leper is sent to the priests as a testimony that our Lord Jesus Christ is sent from God. Crowds gather to Jesus and are healed. The power of God was ever present to heal those with responsive hearts. Luke speaks of the faith of a paralytic man and his four friends, who against all odds find a way for faith to save their paralysed friend. This healing provokes indignation from the religious authorities. Jesus had designed this to demonstrate the link between Christ’s miracles and him being the Son of God (called in Luke’s record “the Son of Man”). Then we read of the call of Levi, or Matthew, who is a hated collector of excise. We read of a dispute arising among the Apostles about fasting. Jesus tells his Apostles that the reason his disciples did not fast was because the bridegroom was with them. Christ says that when the Bridegroom is taken away then they would fast. Lastly the Lord gives two parables about why Jesus’ teaching was not palatable to the inflexible Jewish religious leaders. The enemies of our Lord were set in tradition and were incapable of receiving Jesus’ saving message. Let us make sure that we have hearing ears.

Thoughts on the readings for March 13th (Leviticus 21, Psalms 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, Luke 4)

Leviticus chapters 21,22 describe laws in relation to the Priesthood. Verses 1,6 tell us that the High Priest, because he represents the LORD, was not to mourn the death of any friend (or relatives) except for his immediate family.Verses 7 and 8 tell us that the priests were limited in their choice of a marriage partner. Verse 9 spoke of the holiness that was needed amongst the priest’s family. Verses 10-12 teach us of the holiness to be observed by the High Priest. This was to be an example to Israel, the priestly nation (Exodus 19 verses 5-6). And to us also, as Peter explains in1 Peter 2verses 5 to10). AM Verses 13 to15 describe the holiness of the High Priest, with regard to the sanctity of marriage. Since the Levitical priests were Yahweh’s ministers and representatives there was the requirement of physical perfection (verses 16 to 24.
Psalms 120 to134 were placed by Hezekiah into the Psalms as a group and referred to as,“The Songs of Degrees”. They celebrate the 15 years extension of life granted to king Hezekiah by his Sovereign, after his recovery from leprosy.Psalm 120 is described as a Psalm of ascents in celebration of deliverance. King Hezekiah was sick unto death and his city of Jerusalem surrounded by a massive Assyrian army. Both dilemmas were unsolvable, yet Yahweh granted salvation for King Hezekiah, as an individual, and to the entire nation. The blasphemy of the treacherous Rabshakeh is spoken of in v3.Psalm 121 tells us that Jerusalem’s safety came not from any foreign army, but rather from the Almighty Maker of heaven and earth.Psalm 122 is a Psalm of joy and thanksgiving following Hezekiah’s miraculous healing and the deliverance of his people. With great joy the king led the people to the Temple where they worshipped with praise and thankfulness.Psalm 123 speaks of the diligence with which the faithful looked to Yahweh their Master, who saved them from destruction.Psalm 124 recounts the impossible situation of Israel. And yet the might of the universe, the Creator of heaven and earth exercised His awesome power in saving them.
In Luke 4 we have the account of Jesus in his home town of Nazareth. Before this we read of our Lord Jesus Christ returning triumphant from his three-fold temptation in the Judean wilderness. Jesus was, as Hebrews 4:15 tells us, tempted in all points as we are BUT without sin. These three points of temptation are: 1) the lust of the flesh; 2) the lust of the eyes; and, 3) the pride of life (see 1 John 2 verses 15 to 17). But our Lord overcame by the Word of God (Revelation 19 verses 11to16). All of Jesus’ rebuttals of his temptation come from the book of Deuteronomy chapters 6 and 8. Verse 14 tells us that Christ’s ministry begins in the power of the spirit of God. To Galilee Jesus goes to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah 9 verses 1 to 7. On the Sabbath day in Nazareth Christ begins to preach starting with Isaiah 61 and reading the first one and a half verses; finishing with the words “to preach the acceptable year of the LORD”. Then our Lord closed the scroll and sat with his announcement that those words were fulfilled that day. On being invited to speak he tells them that they will not accept Jesus. Just as he had been rejected in Capernaum (his adopted home). Jesus says that since no prophet has ever been accepted among his own people. For that reason, our Lord declares, Elijah’s and Elisha’s missions were with those Gentiles to whom those prophets were sent by God. The citizens of Nazareth then attempt to kill Jesus intending to cast him from the Precipice. But Jesus uses the power of the spirit to pass safely through their midst. It was just as he reveals in John 7 verse 34, “where I am you cannot come”. In the synagogue Jesus cures a man with a sick mind. Next, whilst our Lord, is in Capernaum he cures Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. Many other cures follow and our Lord’s preaching continues throughout Galilee. If we follow Luke’s account other than the few events recorded at the beginning, and the time of his crucifixion, we would think that Jesus didn’t go to Judea. The reason for this was, largely, Christ’s acceptance in Galilee and his rejection in Judea.

Thoughts on the readings for March 12th (Leviticus 20, Psalm 119-129-176, Luke 3)

Leviticus 20 speaks of penalties for depraved practices. I will quote brother Martin’s book, page 220 –“Leviticus 20 takes up the heathen practices condemned in chapter 18, and attaches the penalties to be applied for those guilty of such depravities. It is curious that chapter 20 does not immediately follow chapter 18. One suggestion is that chapter 19, with its “royal law”, comes between to demonstrate “the more excitement way” to avoid such unholy behaviour.”The abominable practices with exhortations to avoid them. Verses 1-5 offering children unto MolechVerses 6, 27 people with familiar spirits and wizardsVerses 7-8 exhortation to manifest God’s holinessVerse 9 dishonouring parentsVerse 10 adulteryVerse 11 affair with father’s wifeVerse 12 affair withdaughter-in-lawVerse 13 homosexualityVerse 14 bigamy within the same familyVerse 15 sexual depravity with animals (Men)Verse 16 sexual depravity with animals (Women)Verse 17 incestVerse 18 intimacy during menstrual periodVerses 19-21 illicit relations with close relativesVerses 22-24 exhortations to reject practices of the Canaanites
We conclude our comments on Psalm 119. And we must remember that this was written principally for the Messiah – our Lord Jesus Christ(Romans 15 verses 4-5). It was written for his sake and to guide him, in the first place. We see his mind, his attitudes in every verse. We follow him who was the Lamb of God, being led by his Father (the Great Shepherd of Israel Psalm 80). Stanzas 17-22 and alphabet letters 17-22 are provided for our contemplation. Just a few verses for us to slowly read aloud; and pause and ponder – verses 129-132verses 137-140Verse 142; verses 145-149Verses 159-160verses 163-166 andVerses 174-176. Reflect upon these and think about the incomparable Christ Jesus. Try to apply these principles in your own life. Verse 176 is curious and some have said that it is not Messianic. But it tells us Messiah’s mind. He is teaching us that without the guiding Word of His Father he too would have failed to walk the path chosen for him.
Luke 3 begins with all the supposed somebodies of the age. To none of them does Yahweh reveal Himself but to a nobody in the wilderness. Yet what a message was the LORD’s word. It declares the insignificance of human flesh. By contrast it announces that the transforming power inherent in God’s Word to cause weak, frail and dependent humans to acknowledgment their sinfulness by repenting and aligning themselves in baptism with the forgiveness offered to them on that condition. John’s message came from Isaiah 40 verses1-8, see Peter’s comments in 1 Peter 1 verses 17-25. All those who were considered as the baser classes of society responded to the message of John the Baptist. The self important stood self condemned by their rejection of God’s offer. Jesus, likewise, acknowledges that there is nothing in human nature worthy of perpetuating. Our Lord, would through his perfect life, submit in obedience to death; and being raised to immortality and by this he would declare God’s righteousness. So Jesus submits to baptism and asks the same of all disciples. Our Lord Jesus’ genealogy is provided back to Adam, and hence to God also. He is not only Son of Man through his mother whose genealogy is here given through Nathan, David’s son – but just as vital Jesus is the Son of God. And it is for this reason our Lord was enabled to overcome sin: see Hebrews 1.

Thoughts on the readings for March 11th (Leviticus 19, Psalm 119 -81-128, Luke 2)

Leviticus 19 can be summarised in one verse. Verse 19 of this chapter says, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself”. This is sometimes called the golden rule – stated another way it could be said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. In the New Testament Jesus highlighted this teaching in Matthew 22:36-40. Paul explains it in Romans 1:8-10; and James describes it as the royal law in James 2:8-13. Every command in Leviticus 19 is designed for the protection of the weak and the benefit of the entire nation. Everyone who lived by these principles would fulfil each of the Ten Commandments from the sixth to the tenth commandment. You would not bare false witness if you loved your neighbour; nor would you steal or kill. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law – its crowning pinnacle.
Verses 81-128 of Psalm 119 cover stanzas 11-16 and therefore also the letters from the Hebrew alphabet of 11-16. The Psalmist, as we have said, was prophetically revealing to us the mind and motivations of the Messiah – our Lord Jesus Christ. What should be apparent to us is his positive attitude. His thoughts were always directed towards pleasing his Father. We must learn to live life from the standpoint of counting every blessing day by day. Whenever we feel negative thoughts pressing upon us, then stop and affirm to ourselves that God loves and cares for us. His Son told us, “Fear not little flock, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom”. Let us take a few verses for our encouragement and being built up in our most holy faith – verses 89-94; verse 90; verses 97-100; verses 103-105 and verses 125-128. Slowly read these aloud and think deeply on their significance to you.
In Luke 2 we have the record of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. The whole world was turned upside down by the decree of Caesar Augustus that there must be a census. This required vast movements of people to their ancestral homes. Joseph and his heavily pregnant wife, Mary, are caused to go to Bethlehem. When there was no room in the inn (Chimham’s lodging house from the time of king David) they found lodging among the cattle. In such humble circumstances the king of the world is born. A multitude of angels appear to the Bethlehem shepherds, who were watching over the lambs which were to be sacrificed at the next Passover. The message of the angels was that when God is glorified in the earth then there would be peace among men of good will. We then find the record of Jesus being taken to the temple for the required offerings. Mary’s offerings were for those of the poorest. We are told of the faithful Anna and Simeon who were in expectation of Messiah’s redemption of the nation. Jesus is taken by Joseph and Mary to Egypt in order to escape Herod the Great’s slaughter of the babes of Bethlehem (this is recorded in Matthew 2). Luke takes up the story after Herod’s death, when they were returned from Egypt and their moving to Nazareth in Galilee. Here Jesus remains until the age of twelve when he went with his parents to the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus became “lost” when the family was returning to Galilee. When the family came to Jerusalem seeking for Jesus they found him in the temple discussing the Law with the doctors of the Law. What child was this? The record tells us that as well as hearing these learned men Jesus was also asking questions of them. Our Lord gave the rejoinder to Joseph, his step father and Mary – where else did you think I would be? It is my Father’s business that motivates me. Mary kept these matters in her heart and often pondered them. On returning to Nazareth he took the appropriate role of an obedient child. Jesus’ wisdom increased rapidly, as did the pleasure of His Father in His wonderful Son. People found him amiable and agreeable in every capacity.

Thoughts on the readings for March 10th (Leviticus 17, 18, Psalm 119:41-80; Luke 1)

Leviticus 17 describes the significance of the blood in the sacrificial laws. We have already noted that Hebrews 9 verse 22 tells us that forgiveness of sins required the shedding of blood. Not that physical blood has any atoning qualities. It was symbolic of life. All life belongs to God. The blood upon the altar was from a flawless animal. And that spoke of the voluntary offering of our Lord Jesus Christ – who was morally perfect (the offering of the life of the only sinless man). And through that offering we have redemption in his blood(Ephesians 1 verse 7). Verses 1-9 tell us that there was no animal sacrifice made during the wilderness journey. Verses 10-12 speak of the positive aspects of the sacrificial blood. These verses reinforce that the LORD owns all life. And the acceptance of the sanctity of life was to be observed by the Israelites on pain of death for violating this (Genesis 9 verses 3-6). Verses 13-16 refer to the negative significance of the blood. All manner of ceremonially clean animals could be eaten. But the blood was not to be eaten. It was to be poured onto the earth; or in the case of an offering upon the altar (earlier chapters in the sacrificial code in Leviticus talk of this). The killing of an animal still rendered the hunter “impure”.Leviticus chapters 18-20 tell of moral laws for the LORD’s people. We have already seen how the Ten Commandments were founded on the basis that Yahweh was their God; and that He had brought them out of Egypt from the house of slavery. The same moral foundation underpins the moral code of the Israelites – Leviticus 18 verses 1, 30, 19 versess 2-3, 18. That verse in Leviticus 19:18, “Thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself” is the second of the two great commandments (see Matthew 22 verses 36-40). The second and third pillars for the observing of a holy life were: don’t behave as the Egyptians did; nor be like the Canaanites; whom, says the Almighty, will be vomited out of the land because of their perversions. Verses 1-5 through of Leviticus 18 give us our Sovereign’s moral reasons for the following commandments. Verses 6-23 forbid the practice of any of the sexual perversions described. Verses 24-30 tell us that Yahweh’s covenant people must live lives that are upright and distinctly different from the inhabitants of Canaan.
Stanzas 6-10 of Psalm 119 cover the Hebrew letters 6-10. These are contained in verses 41-80. This form of poetry is referred to as an acrostic. Just a few verses from these segments for us to meditate on. Slowly read aloudverses 41-44, verses 49-50, verses 57-59, verses 66-68, and verse 72. Meditate on the way in which these verses may direct the course of your life- just as they were the motivating force of our Lord Jesus Christ the Saviour of the world.
In Luke 1 the beloved doctor (not an Apostle) gives his account. Luke sets out in order of happening of events in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. The written account is to Theophilus – a name meaning ‘a lover of God’. Some have suggested that Theophilus was a high ranking Roman official. Whether this is true or not, the book is addressed to us, as lovers of God. Verses 5-18 tell of Zacharias, the priest and his temple service. Those verses also inform us that the aged priest and barren wife, Elizabeth, had no children. The angel Gabriel appears to Zacharias and foretells him of the birth and mission of John the Baptist – the son that was to be miraculously born to this old man and his barren wife. Because Zacharias doubted the angel’s words he was struck dumb till the day of John’s birth. Note John’s mission was said to be the fulfilment of Malachi 4:5-6. The angel Gabriel was next sent to the wonderful Mary. This faithful young woman had been chosen by Yahweh to be the mother of His Son. This birth too was to be brought about by an even greater miracle. Read the angel’s words aloud in verses 30-33 – ponder the import. Mary accepts the message and as the handmaid of the LORD she says that she will humbly comply. Mary’s cousin Elizabeth, who was herself 6 months pregnant, is visited by Mary and together these two faithful women praise and exalt God; and spiritually encourage each other. Mary’s song of praise giving is recorded in verses 46-55. Compare Mary’s song and words of rejoicing with Hannah’s song told to us in 1 Samuel 2 verses 1-10. John is born and named. Then his father Zacharias’ tongue is loosed. Consider his remarkable prophecy of the work of the two greatest men ever born. The record brings together a significant number of Old Testament scriptures. Read these words in verses 68-79 and ponder the greatest epoch that was to emerge in the ministries of these two servants of the Almighty in all time.

Thoughts on the readings for March 9th (Leviticus 16, Psalm 119:1-40, 2 Corinthians 12, 13)

Leviticus 16 has often been described as, “What the Law could not do”. It deals with the Day of Atonement, or coverings – of sin.The sacrifices under the Law of Moses could never take away sin; nor could they cleanse the conscience of the offerer. The writer to the Hebrews particularly speaks of this in chapters 9-10 verses 9 verses 6-12, 23-28, and 10 verses1-22 are an exposition on the Day of Atonement. Read these verses and ponder their meaning. Now for the breakdown of this chapter which climaxes the section in Leviticus dealing with the laws of uncleanness. Verses 1-2 the entry into the Most Holy Place was limited to the High Priest on one day per year; and even only then under the strictest rules for preparation and approach. Verses 3-10 provide an outline of the entire ceremony. Verses 11-17 tell of the requirements of the High Priest whose entry into the Most Holy Place was with the blood of sacrifice – Hebrews 9:22. But also was the symbol of the live goat (symbolically resurrected), which bore away the sins of nation – indeed for each individual. Isaiah spoke of this in chapter 53 verses 4-12. Verses 18-19 tell of the purification of the altar in the outer court. Verses 20-22 describe the sending away of the scape goat (called in the Hebrew Yahweh’s goat – for this goat spake of the baring away of sins cp. John 1 verse 29). Verses 23-26 tell of the changing of clothes by the High Priest before entering the Most Holy Place. Aaron put on a plain linen tunic indicating the single requirement for drawing near to the Almighty was holiness. Our ability to draw near to our Father is because of the sinless offering of himself by our Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 27-28 speak of the destruction of the body of the sin offering outside the camp – Hebrews 13 verse 10-16. Verses 29-31 tell of the need for devotion and of the humbling of those seeking for the forgiveness ie covering, of their sins. Verses 32-34 tell about the duties of the man selected to be the next High Priest in relation to the disposal of the ashes.
Psalm 119 is known as the longest “chapter” in the Bible – 176 verses. The Psalm is principally about the mindset and behaviour of the Messiah – our Lord Jesus Christ. The poem is a summary of what the Ten Commandments were trying to teach every Israelite; but in reality were only true in the lived out life of the Christ. The Greek translation of the Old Testament, called the Septuagint (LXX), spoke of the commandments as the“ten words” (Decalogue). The poem consists of 22 stanzas each of 8 verses. Each verse in each stanza commences with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Verses 1-8, for example, each start with Aleph, which in the Hebrew lettering looks like an ox. Verses 9-16 each start with Beth, the second of the alphabetical letters. Whereas Aleph tells of the faithful ox, Beth speaks of the house in which the ox serves. And so the story proceeds through each stanza. I can only give a brief overview here. For those wanting a more detailed explanation please consult “The Companion Bible” by Bullinger. There are frequent marginal notes plus an Appendix in the rear devoted entirely to this Psalm. There are ten Hebrew words used repeatedly throughout this Psalm. They occur in every verse with the exception of one – verse 122. The ten translated English words stand out plainly due to their repetition when read. They are the words – way, law, testimonies, ways, precepts, statutes, judgments, word, commandments and paths. The reader is encouraged to search out the meaning of each of these words and then to read the Psalm with greater understanding. Just a few verses for you to contemplate by way of meditation –verses 9-11 and verses 33-35. Read these now aloud slowly and ponder their power in Messiah; and for your life.
In 2 Corinthians 12 we are told about visions that the Apostle Paul had 14 years before the writing of his letter. The “visions” were so real that Paul was unsure as to whether he was actually there, or it was just a dream-like revelation. The experience empowered him to deal with his severe trials, for which he earnestly beseeched God three times in prayer to remove. Each time he receives from the Father the same answer – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness”. If only we could all learn that lesson. He speaks of his intent to see them; and this had twice been thwarted. What the Apostle’s thorn in the flesh was we do not exactly know. What we know is his eyesight was badly affected to the extent that Paul used a scribe to write his letters. His autograph at the end of each letter was in large hand written characters: Galatians 6:11. Additionally Paul had sent Titus as his representative as that brother closely knew the Apostle’s mind on the matters the epistle discusses. Titus also had a great love for the Corinthians. Chapter 13 concludes with final warnings and advice. The Apostle had attempted visiting the Corinthian ecclesia twice, but his plans had been thwarted. Verses 5-10 is a call for all of the believers in this city to reconsider their motives and actions. And to change these, if required, so that they might find a place in the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming. Verses 11-14 give Paul’s final greetings and his appeal for the members of the ecclesia to live in love and harmony.
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