Scripture(s): Isaiah 60:21
Also your people [shall] all [be] righteous; They shall inherit the land forever, The branch of My planting, The work of My hands, That I may be glorified.
Commentary:
This whole chapter is all to the same purport, all in the same strain; it is a part of God’s covenant with his church, which is spoken of in the last verse of the foregoing chapter, and the blessings here promised are the fruits of the word and Spirit there promised. The long continuance of the church, even unto the utmost ages of time, was there promised, and here the large extent of the church, even unto the utmost regions of the earth; and both these tend to the honour of the Redeemer. It is here promised, I. That the church shall be enlightened and shone upon (v. 1, 2).
II. That it shall be enlarged and great additions made to it, to join in the service of God (v. 3-8). III. That the new converts shall be greatly serviceable to the church and to the interests of it (v. 9–13). IV. That the church shall be in great honour and reputation among men (v. 14–16). V. That it shall enjoy a profound peace and tranquility (v. 17, 18). VI. That, the members of it being all righteous, the glory and joy of it shall be everlasting (v. 19–22). Now this has some reference to the peaceable and prosperous condition which the Jews were sometimes in after their return out of captivity into their own land; but it certainly looks further, and was to have its full accomplishment in the kingdom of the Messiah, the enlargement of that kingdom by the bringing in of the Gentiles into it, and the spiritual blessings in heavenly things by Christ Jesus with which it should be enriched, and all these earnests of eternal joy and glory (Henry, 1996).
Those that are entitled to this happiness, being duly prepared and qualified for it, shall never be put out of the possession of it (v. 21): Thy people, that shall inhabit this New Jerusalem, shall all be righteous, all justified by the righteousness of the Messiah, all sanctified by his Spirit; all that people, that Jerusalem, must be righteous, must have that holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. They are all righteous, for we know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. There are no people on earth that are all righteous; there is a mixture of some bad in the best societies on this side heaven; but there are no mixtures there. They shall be all righteous, that is, they shall be entirely righteous; as there shall be none corrupt among them, so there shall be no corruption in them; the spirits of just men shall there be made perfect (Henry, 1996).
And they shall be all the righteous together who shall replenish the New Jerusalem; it is called the congregation of the righteous, Ps. 1:5. And, because they are all righteous, therefore they shall inherit the land for ever, for nothing but sin can turn them out of it. The perfection of the saints’ holiness secures the perpetuity of their happiness. 4. The glory of the church shall redound to the honour of the church’s God: "They shall appear to be the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, and I will own them as such.’’ It was by the grace of God that they were designed to this happiness; they are the branch of his planting, or of his plantations; he broke them off from the wild olive and grafted them into the good olive, transplanted them out of the field, when they were as tender branches, into his nursery, that, being now planted in his garden on earth, they might shortly be removed to his paradise in heaven (Henry, 1996).
It was by his grace likewise that they were prepared and fitted for this happiness; they are the work of his hands (Eph. 2:10), are wrought to the self-same thing, 2 Co. 5:5. It is a work of time, and, when it shall be finished, will appear a work of wonder; and God will be glorified, who began it, and carried it on; for the Lord Jesus will then be admired in all those that believe. God will glorify himself in glorifying his chosen. 5. They will appear the more glorious, and God will be the more glorified in them, if we compare what they are with what they were, the happiness they have arrived at with the smallness of their beginnings (v. 22): "A little one shall become a thousand and a small one a strong nation.’’
Reflection:
We can rest assured that God has planted us exactly where we are today for His purpose, honor, and glory. No matter what we go through in life, and no matter what we see with our natural eye. Sometimes, we will have to press beyond our physical limitations, and keep moving forward. Sometimes, when our hearts are broken because of a lost loved one; we still have to keep moving forward. Sometimes, when it appears that those that we love, don't love us back; we have to still, keep moving forward. Why? Because we are the planting of the Lord, and He will be glorified in our lives through everything that is birthed in and through us. Therefore, be encouraged to keep moving forward, despite: obstacles, heartbreak, pain, rejection, hinderances, sickness, and/or physical limitations. Remember that we are the planting of the Lord for His glory, and we will be what He has called us to be.
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
Thy people: 5971
1) nation, people
a) people, nation
b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
2) kinsman, kindred
also (shall be) all righteous: 6662
1) just, lawful, righteous
a) just, righteous (in government)
b) just, right (in one's cause)
c) just, righteous (in conduct and character)
d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God)
e) right, correct, lawful
they shall inherit: 3423
1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir
a) (Qal)
1) to take possession of
2) to inherit
3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor
b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty
c) (Piel) to devour
d) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to possess or inherit
2) to cause others to possess or inherit
3) to impoverish
4) to dispossess
5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
the land: 776
1) land, earth
a) earth
1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)
2) earth (as opposed to heaven)
3) earth (inhabitants)
b) land
1) country, territory
2) district, region
3) tribal territory
4) piece of ground
5) land of Canaan, Israel
6) inhabitants of land
7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world
8) city (-state)
c) ground, surface of the earth
1) ground
2) soil
d) (in phrases)
1) people of the land
2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance)
3) level or plain country
4) land of the living
5) end(s) of the earth
e) (almost wholly late in usage)
1) lands, countries
a) often in contrast to Canaan
forever: 5769
1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world
a) ancient time, long time (of past)
b) (of future)
1) for ever, always
2) continuous existence, perpetual
3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
the branch: 5342
1) sprout, shoot, branch (always fig.)
the planting: 4302
1) place or act of planting, planting, plantation
a) planting place
b) act of planting
c) plantation
the work: 4639
1) deed, work
a) deed, thing done, act
b) work, labour
c) business, pursuit
d) undertaking, enterprise
e) achievement
f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment)
g) work, thing made
h) work (of God)
i) product
of my hands: 3027
1) hand
a) hand (of man)
b) strength, power (fig.)
c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
d) (various special, technical senses)
1) sign, monument
2) part, fractional part, share
3) time, repetition
4) axle-trees, axle
5) stays, support (for laver)
6) tenons (in tabernacle)
7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
8) wrists
that I may be glorified: 6286
1) to glorify, beautify, adorn
a) (Piel) to glorify, beautify
b) (Hithpael)
1) to glorify oneself
2) to get glory to oneself, be glorified
2) (Piel) to go over the boughs
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "The Major Prophet Isaiah 60 - (NKJV - New King James Version)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 28 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Isa&c=60&t=NKJV
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Isaiah 60." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 28 Feb 2010.
http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=1388&commInfo=5&topic=Isaiah&ar=Isa_60_21
Higgins, S. (2010). Keep Moving Forward. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
Sunday
Friday
The Place of Promise
Scripture(s): Numbers 15:1-3
Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, 'When you enter the land where you are to live, which I am giving you, then make an offering by fire to the LORD, a burnt offering or a sacrifice to fulfill a special vow, or as a freewill offering or in your appointed times, to make a soothing aroma to the LORD, from the herd or from the flock.
Commentary: (Henry, 1996)
Here we have,
I. Full instructions given concerning the meat-offerings and drink-offerings, which were appendages to all the sacrifices of animals. The beginning of this law is very encouraging: When you come into the land of your habitation which I give unto you, they you shall do so and so, v. 2. This was a plain intimation, not only that God was reconciled to them notwithstanding the sentence he had passed upon them, but that he would secure the promised land to their seed notwithstanding their proneness to rebel against him. They might think some time or other they should be guilty of a misdemeanour that would be fatal to them, and would exclude them for ever, as the last had done for one generation; but this intimates an assurance that they should be kept from provoking God to such a degree as would amount to a forfeiture; for this statute takes it for granted that there were some of them that should in due time come into Canaan.
The meat-offerings were of two sorts; some were offered alone, and we have the law concerning those, Lev. 2:1, etc. Others were added to the burnt-offerings and peace-offerings, and constantly attended them, and about these direction is here given. It was requisite, since the sacrifices of acknowledgment (specified in v. 3) were intended as the food of God’s table, that there should be a constant provision of bread, oil, and wine, whatever the flesh-meat was. The caterers or purveyors for Solomon’s temple provided fine flour, 1 Ki. 4:22. And it was fit that God should keep a good house, that his table should be furnished with bread as well as flesh, and that his cup should run over. In my Father’s house there is bread enough.
Now the intent of this law is to direct what proportion the meat-offering and drink-offering should bear to several sacrifices to which they were annexed. If the sacrifice was a lamb or a kid, then the meat-offering must be a tenth-deal of flour, that is, an omer, which contained about five pints; this must be mingled with oil, the fourth part of a hin (a hin contained about five quarts), and the drink-offering must be the same quantity of wine, about a quart and half a pint, v. 3-5. If it was a ram, the meat-offering was doubled, two tenth-deals of flour, about five quarts, and a third part of a hin of oil (which was to them as butter is to us) mingled with it; and the same quantity of wine for a drink-offering, v. 6, 7. If the sacrifice was a bullock, the meat-offering was to be trebled, three omers, with five pints of oil, and the same quantity of wine for a drink-offering, v. 8–10. And thus for each sacrifice, whether offered by a particular person or at the common charge. Note, Our religious services should be governed, as by other rules, so by the rule of proportion.
Reflection:
When God brings us into the place of promise that He has spoken over our lives, we must never forget all the mercy and grace that He has extended to us in the past. We must also remember all the good that He is bestowing upon us daily, recognizing that God is truly a God of His word. Though it appears at times that the promises of God are somewhat delayed, it does not mean that they are denied. Even though we think that they are delayed, for the most part; this outlook is based on our own understanding, and not on the mind and timing of God. Therefore, when God opens up the windows of heaven, and pours out blessings that there is not enough room for us to receive what He is blessing us with, let us remember the Lord our God; who has brought us out of Egypt into the land of promise, and out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for being a God of your word. A God that cannot lie. Thank you for being faithful, longsuffering, loving, and merciful. Thank you for manifesting your promise in my life as you said that you would. Thank you for your love being shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit. Thank you for wisdom over everything that you give to me. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
LORD: 3068
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of 0136
Spake: 1696
1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
a) (Qal) to speak
b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk
c) (Piel)
1) to speak
2) to promise
d) (Pual) to be spoken
e) (Hithpael) to speak
f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Moses: 4872
Moses = "drawn"
1) the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Unto them, when ye be come: 935
1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in
a) (Qal)
1) to enter, come in
2) to come
a) to come with
b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)
c) to come to pass
3) to attain to
4) to be enumerated
5) to go
b) (Hiphil)
1) to lead in
2) to carry in
3) to bring in, cause to come in, gather, cause to come, bring near, bring against, bring upon
4) to bring to pass
c) (Hophal)
1) to be brought, brought in
2) to be introduced, be put
into the land: 776
1) land, earth
a) earth
1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)
2) earth (as opposed to heaven)
3) earth (inhabitants)
b) land
1) country, territory
2) district, region
3) tribal territory
4) piece of ground
5) land of Canaan, Israel
6) inhabitants of land
7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world
8) city (-state)
c) ground, surface of the earth
1) ground
2) soil
d) (in phrases)
1) people of the land
2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance)
3) level or plain country
4) land of the living
5) end(s) of the earth
e) (almost wholly late in usage)
1) lands, countries
a) often in contrast to Canaan
of your habitation: 4186
1) seat, assembly, dwelling-place, dwelling, dwellers
a) seat, sitting, those sitting, sitting company or assembly
b) dwelling place, dwelling
c) situation, location
d) time of dwelling
e) those dwelling, dweller
which I give unto you: 5414
1) to give, put, set
a) (Qal)
1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend
2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate
3) to make, constitute
b) (Niphal)
1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned
2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted
c) (Hophal)
1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up
2) to be put upon
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Numbers 15 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 26 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Num&c=15&t=NASB
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Numbers 15." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 26 Feb 2010.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=762&commInfo=5&topic=Numbers&ar=Num_15_2
Higgins, S. (2010). The Place of Promise. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, 'When you enter the land where you are to live, which I am giving you, then make an offering by fire to the LORD, a burnt offering or a sacrifice to fulfill a special vow, or as a freewill offering or in your appointed times, to make a soothing aroma to the LORD, from the herd or from the flock.
Commentary: (Henry, 1996)
Here we have,
I. Full instructions given concerning the meat-offerings and drink-offerings, which were appendages to all the sacrifices of animals. The beginning of this law is very encouraging: When you come into the land of your habitation which I give unto you, they you shall do so and so, v. 2. This was a plain intimation, not only that God was reconciled to them notwithstanding the sentence he had passed upon them, but that he would secure the promised land to their seed notwithstanding their proneness to rebel against him. They might think some time or other they should be guilty of a misdemeanour that would be fatal to them, and would exclude them for ever, as the last had done for one generation; but this intimates an assurance that they should be kept from provoking God to such a degree as would amount to a forfeiture; for this statute takes it for granted that there were some of them that should in due time come into Canaan.
The meat-offerings were of two sorts; some were offered alone, and we have the law concerning those, Lev. 2:1, etc. Others were added to the burnt-offerings and peace-offerings, and constantly attended them, and about these direction is here given. It was requisite, since the sacrifices of acknowledgment (specified in v. 3) were intended as the food of God’s table, that there should be a constant provision of bread, oil, and wine, whatever the flesh-meat was. The caterers or purveyors for Solomon’s temple provided fine flour, 1 Ki. 4:22. And it was fit that God should keep a good house, that his table should be furnished with bread as well as flesh, and that his cup should run over. In my Father’s house there is bread enough.
Now the intent of this law is to direct what proportion the meat-offering and drink-offering should bear to several sacrifices to which they were annexed. If the sacrifice was a lamb or a kid, then the meat-offering must be a tenth-deal of flour, that is, an omer, which contained about five pints; this must be mingled with oil, the fourth part of a hin (a hin contained about five quarts), and the drink-offering must be the same quantity of wine, about a quart and half a pint, v. 3-5. If it was a ram, the meat-offering was doubled, two tenth-deals of flour, about five quarts, and a third part of a hin of oil (which was to them as butter is to us) mingled with it; and the same quantity of wine for a drink-offering, v. 6, 7. If the sacrifice was a bullock, the meat-offering was to be trebled, three omers, with five pints of oil, and the same quantity of wine for a drink-offering, v. 8–10. And thus for each sacrifice, whether offered by a particular person or at the common charge. Note, Our religious services should be governed, as by other rules, so by the rule of proportion.
Reflection:
When God brings us into the place of promise that He has spoken over our lives, we must never forget all the mercy and grace that He has extended to us in the past. We must also remember all the good that He is bestowing upon us daily, recognizing that God is truly a God of His word. Though it appears at times that the promises of God are somewhat delayed, it does not mean that they are denied. Even though we think that they are delayed, for the most part; this outlook is based on our own understanding, and not on the mind and timing of God. Therefore, when God opens up the windows of heaven, and pours out blessings that there is not enough room for us to receive what He is blessing us with, let us remember the Lord our God; who has brought us out of Egypt into the land of promise, and out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for being a God of your word. A God that cannot lie. Thank you for being faithful, longsuffering, loving, and merciful. Thank you for manifesting your promise in my life as you said that you would. Thank you for your love being shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit. Thank you for wisdom over everything that you give to me. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
LORD: 3068
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of 0136
Spake: 1696
1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
a) (Qal) to speak
b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk
c) (Piel)
1) to speak
2) to promise
d) (Pual) to be spoken
e) (Hithpael) to speak
f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Moses: 4872
Moses = "drawn"
1) the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Unto them, when ye be come: 935
1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in
a) (Qal)
1) to enter, come in
2) to come
a) to come with
b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)
c) to come to pass
3) to attain to
4) to be enumerated
5) to go
b) (Hiphil)
1) to lead in
2) to carry in
3) to bring in, cause to come in, gather, cause to come, bring near, bring against, bring upon
4) to bring to pass
c) (Hophal)
1) to be brought, brought in
2) to be introduced, be put
into the land: 776
1) land, earth
a) earth
1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)
2) earth (as opposed to heaven)
3) earth (inhabitants)
b) land
1) country, territory
2) district, region
3) tribal territory
4) piece of ground
5) land of Canaan, Israel
6) inhabitants of land
7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world
8) city (-state)
c) ground, surface of the earth
1) ground
2) soil
d) (in phrases)
1) people of the land
2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance)
3) level or plain country
4) land of the living
5) end(s) of the earth
e) (almost wholly late in usage)
1) lands, countries
a) often in contrast to Canaan
of your habitation: 4186
1) seat, assembly, dwelling-place, dwelling, dwellers
a) seat, sitting, those sitting, sitting company or assembly
b) dwelling place, dwelling
c) situation, location
d) time of dwelling
e) those dwelling, dweller
which I give unto you: 5414
1) to give, put, set
a) (Qal)
1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend
2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate
3) to make, constitute
b) (Niphal)
1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned
2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted
c) (Hophal)
1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up
2) to be put upon
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Numbers 15 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 26 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Num&c=15&t=NASB
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Numbers 15." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 26 Feb 2010.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=762&commInfo=5&topic=Numbers&ar=Num_15_2
Higgins, S. (2010). The Place of Promise. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
Thursday
Father Knows Best
Scripture(s): Numbers 11:4-6
The rabble who were among them had greedy desires; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, "Who will give us meat to eat? "We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna."
Commentary:
These verses represent things sadly unhinged and out of order in Israel, both the people and the prince uneasy.
I. Here is the people fretting, and speaking against God himself (as it is interpreted, Ps. 78:19), notwithstanding his glorious appearances both to them and for them. Observe, (Henry, 1996).
1. Who were the criminals. (1.) The mixed multitude began, they fell a lusting, v. 4. The rabble that came with them out of Egypt, expecting only the land of promise, but not a state of probation in the way to it. They were hangers on, who took hold of the skirts of the Jews, and would go with them only because they knew not how to live at home, and were disposed to seek their fortunes (as we say) abroad. These were the scabbed sheep that infected the flock, the leaven that leavened the whole lump. Note, A few factious, discontented, ill-natured people, may do a great deal of mischief in the best societies, if great care be not taken to discountenance them. Such as these are an untoward generation, from which it is our wisdom to save ourselves, Acts 2:40. (2.) Even the children of Israel took the infection, as we are informed, v. 4. The holy seed joined themselves to the people of these abominations. The mixed multitude here spoken of were not numbered with the children of Israel, but were set aside as a people God made no account of; and yet the children of Israel, forgetting their own character and distinction, herded themselves with them and learned their way, as if the scum and outcasts of the camp were to be the privy-counsellors of it. The children of Israel, a people near to God and highly privileged, yet drawn into rebellion against him! O how little honour has God in the world, when even the people which he formed for himself, to show forth his praise, were so much a dishonour to him! Therefore let none think that their external professions and privileges will be their security either against Satan’s temptations to sin or God’s judgments for sin. See 1 Co. 10:1, 2, 12 (Henry, 1996).
2. What was the crime: they lusted and murmured. Though they had been lately corrected for this sin, and many of them overthrown for it, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and the smell of the fire was still in their nostrils, yet they returned to it. See Prov. 27:22. (1.) They magnified the plenty and dainties they had had in Egypt (v. 5), as if God had done them a great deal of wrong in taking them thence. While they were in Egypt they sighed by reason of their burdens, for their lives were made bitter to them with hard bondage; and yet now they talk of Egypt as if they had all lived like princes there, when this serves as a colour for their present discontent. But with what face can they talk of eating fish in Egypt freely, or for nought, as if it cost them nothing, when they paid so dearly for it with their hard service? They remember the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick (precious stuff indeed to be fond of!), but they do not remember the brick-kilns and the task-masters, the voice of the oppressor and the smart of the whip. No, these are forgotten by these ungrateful people. (2.)
They were sick of the good provision God had made for them, v. 6. It was bread from heaven, angels’ food. To show how unreasonable their complaint was, it is here described, v. 7-9. It was good for food, and pleasant to the eye, every grain like an orient pearl; it was wholesome food and nourishing; it was not to be called dry bread, for it tasted like fresh oil; it was agreeable (the Jews say, Wisd. 16:20) to every man’s palate, and tasted as he would have it; and, though it was still the same, yet, by the different ways of dressing it, it yielded them a grateful variety; it cost them no money, nor care, for it fell in the night, while they slept; and the labour of gathering it was not worth speaking of; they lived upon free quarter, and yet could talk of Egypt’s cheapness and the fish they ate there freely. Nay, which was much more valuable than all this, the manna came from the immediate power and bounty of God, not from common providence, but from special favour. It was, as God’s compassion, new every morning, always fresh, not as their food who live on shipboard (Henry, 1996).
While they lived on manna, they seemed to be exempted from the curse which sin has brought on man, that in the sweat of his face should he eat bread. And yet they speak of manna with such scorn, as if it were not good enough to be meat for swine: Our soul is dried away. They speak as if God dealt hardly with them in allowing them no better food. At first they admired it (Ex. 16:15): What is this? "What a curious precious thing is this!’’ But now they despised it. Note, Peevish discontented minds will find fault with that which has no fault in it but that it is too good for them. It is very provoking to God to undervalue his favours, and to put a but upon our common mercies. Nothing but manna! Those that might be very happy often make themselves very miserable by their discontents (Henry, 1996).
(3.) They could not be satisfied unless they had flesh to eat. They brought flocks and herds with them in great abundance out of Egypt; but either they were covetous, and could not find in their hearts to kill them, lest they should lessen their flocks (they must have flesh as cheap as they had bread, or they would not be pleased), or else they were curious, beef and mutton would not please them; they must have something more nice and delicate, like the fish they did eat in Egypt. Food would not serve; they must be feasted. They had feasted with God upon the peace-offerings which they had their share of; but it seems God did not keep a table good enough for them, they must have daintier bits than any that came to his altar (Henry, 1996).
Note, It is an evidence of the dominion of the carnal mind when we are solicitous to have all the delights and satisfactions of sense wound up to the height of pleasurableness. Be not desirous of dainties, Prov. 23:1-3. If God gives us food convenient, we ought to be thankful, though we do not eat the fat and drink the sweet. (4.) They distrusted the power and goodness of God as insufficient for their supply: Who will give us flesh to eat? taking it for granted that God could not. Thus this question is commented upon, Ps. 78:19, 20, Can he provide flesh also? though he had given them flesh with their bread once, when he saw fit (Ex. 16:13), and they might have expected that he would do it again, and in mercy, if, instead of murmuring, they had prayed. Note, It is an offence to God to let our desires go beyond our faith. (5.) They were eager and importunate in their desires; they lusted a lust, so the word is, lusted greatly and greedily, till they wept again for vexation (Henry, 1996),
So childish were the children of Israel, and so humoursome, that they cried because they had not what they would have and when they would have it. They did not offer up this desire to God, but would rather be beholden to any one else than to him. We should not indulge ourselves in any desire which we cannot in faith turn into prayer, as we cannot when we ask meat for our lust, Ps. 78:18. For this sin the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly against them, which is written for our admonition, that we should not lust after evil things as they lusted, 1 Co. 10:6. (6.) Flesh is good food, and may lawfully be eaten; yet they are said to lust after evil things. What is lawful of itself becomes evil to us when it is what God does not allot to us and yet we eagerly desire it (Henry, 1996).
Reflection:
The children of Israel made a conscious decision to agree with those that were mixed in with the chosen people of God. They forgot whom their God was, and joined forces with a bunch of individuals that were greedy for what they were accustomed to in the land of bondage and slavery. They voiced there opinions loudly, and boisterously among the people; to the point that God heard, and so did Moses. God was angry with the children of Israel for having no faith in Him to provide what He knew they needed, and to accuse Him of not being able to provide for them. God had provided Manna for them in the wilderness of Sinai, every single day, and up until now it was sufficient. However, when they began to listen to the voice of those that had no relationship with God, and started complaining about the provision of God, they were rebuked by God Himself.
God provides according to what He know is best for us, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Even though we think we know what we need, our Father knows best. We shoud refrain from complaining, because God sees and knows every angle of our life. He knows exactly what we need, and when we need it. As children of God, we must remember to trust the timing of God, be thankful for the provisions of today, and not to be concerned about the provisions of tomorrow. For God knows what we have need of before we even ask.
Strong's Concordance Definitions: King James Version (Numbers 11:4)
Rabble: 628
1) collection, rabble, collected multitude, mixed multitude
that was among: 7130
1) midst, among, inner part, middle
a) inward part
1) physical sense
2) as seat of thought and emotion
3) as faculty of thought and emotion
b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons)
c) entrails (of sacrificial animals)
them, fell a lusting: 183
1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer
a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink)
b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)
of Israel: 3478
Israel = "God prevails"
1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel
2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob
a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split
b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah
c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
also wept: 1058
1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears
a) (Qal)
1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy)
2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.)
3) to weep upon (embrace and weep)
4) to bewail
b) (Piel) participle
1) lamenting
2) bewailing
who shall give us flesh: 1320
1) flesh
a) of the body
1) of humans
2) of animals
b) the body itself
c) male organ of generation (euphemism)
d) kindred, blood-relations
e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God)
f) all living things
g) animals
h) mankind
to eat: 398
1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed
a) (Qal)
1) to eat (human subject)
2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds)
3) to devour, consume (of fire)
4) to devour, slay (of sword)
5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought)
6) to devour (of oppression)
b) (Niphal)
1) to be eaten (by men)
2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire)
3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh)
c) (Pual)
1) to cause to eat, feed with
2) to cause to devour
d) (Hiphil)
1) to feed
2) to cause to eat
e) (Piel)
1) consume
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Numbers 11 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 25 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Num&c=11&t=NASB
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Numbers 11." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 25 Feb 2010. http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=758&commInfo=5&topic=Numbers&ar=Num_11_4
Higgins, S. (2010). Father Knows Best. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com
The rabble who were among them had greedy desires; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, "Who will give us meat to eat? "We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna."
Commentary:
These verses represent things sadly unhinged and out of order in Israel, both the people and the prince uneasy.
I. Here is the people fretting, and speaking against God himself (as it is interpreted, Ps. 78:19), notwithstanding his glorious appearances both to them and for them. Observe, (Henry, 1996).
1. Who were the criminals. (1.) The mixed multitude began, they fell a lusting, v. 4. The rabble that came with them out of Egypt, expecting only the land of promise, but not a state of probation in the way to it. They were hangers on, who took hold of the skirts of the Jews, and would go with them only because they knew not how to live at home, and were disposed to seek their fortunes (as we say) abroad. These were the scabbed sheep that infected the flock, the leaven that leavened the whole lump. Note, A few factious, discontented, ill-natured people, may do a great deal of mischief in the best societies, if great care be not taken to discountenance them. Such as these are an untoward generation, from which it is our wisdom to save ourselves, Acts 2:40. (2.) Even the children of Israel took the infection, as we are informed, v. 4. The holy seed joined themselves to the people of these abominations. The mixed multitude here spoken of were not numbered with the children of Israel, but were set aside as a people God made no account of; and yet the children of Israel, forgetting their own character and distinction, herded themselves with them and learned their way, as if the scum and outcasts of the camp were to be the privy-counsellors of it. The children of Israel, a people near to God and highly privileged, yet drawn into rebellion against him! O how little honour has God in the world, when even the people which he formed for himself, to show forth his praise, were so much a dishonour to him! Therefore let none think that their external professions and privileges will be their security either against Satan’s temptations to sin or God’s judgments for sin. See 1 Co. 10:1, 2, 12 (Henry, 1996).
2. What was the crime: they lusted and murmured. Though they had been lately corrected for this sin, and many of them overthrown for it, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and the smell of the fire was still in their nostrils, yet they returned to it. See Prov. 27:22. (1.) They magnified the plenty and dainties they had had in Egypt (v. 5), as if God had done them a great deal of wrong in taking them thence. While they were in Egypt they sighed by reason of their burdens, for their lives were made bitter to them with hard bondage; and yet now they talk of Egypt as if they had all lived like princes there, when this serves as a colour for their present discontent. But with what face can they talk of eating fish in Egypt freely, or for nought, as if it cost them nothing, when they paid so dearly for it with their hard service? They remember the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick (precious stuff indeed to be fond of!), but they do not remember the brick-kilns and the task-masters, the voice of the oppressor and the smart of the whip. No, these are forgotten by these ungrateful people. (2.)
They were sick of the good provision God had made for them, v. 6. It was bread from heaven, angels’ food. To show how unreasonable their complaint was, it is here described, v. 7-9. It was good for food, and pleasant to the eye, every grain like an orient pearl; it was wholesome food and nourishing; it was not to be called dry bread, for it tasted like fresh oil; it was agreeable (the Jews say, Wisd. 16:20) to every man’s palate, and tasted as he would have it; and, though it was still the same, yet, by the different ways of dressing it, it yielded them a grateful variety; it cost them no money, nor care, for it fell in the night, while they slept; and the labour of gathering it was not worth speaking of; they lived upon free quarter, and yet could talk of Egypt’s cheapness and the fish they ate there freely. Nay, which was much more valuable than all this, the manna came from the immediate power and bounty of God, not from common providence, but from special favour. It was, as God’s compassion, new every morning, always fresh, not as their food who live on shipboard (Henry, 1996).
While they lived on manna, they seemed to be exempted from the curse which sin has brought on man, that in the sweat of his face should he eat bread. And yet they speak of manna with such scorn, as if it were not good enough to be meat for swine: Our soul is dried away. They speak as if God dealt hardly with them in allowing them no better food. At first they admired it (Ex. 16:15): What is this? "What a curious precious thing is this!’’ But now they despised it. Note, Peevish discontented minds will find fault with that which has no fault in it but that it is too good for them. It is very provoking to God to undervalue his favours, and to put a but upon our common mercies. Nothing but manna! Those that might be very happy often make themselves very miserable by their discontents (Henry, 1996).
(3.) They could not be satisfied unless they had flesh to eat. They brought flocks and herds with them in great abundance out of Egypt; but either they were covetous, and could not find in their hearts to kill them, lest they should lessen their flocks (they must have flesh as cheap as they had bread, or they would not be pleased), or else they were curious, beef and mutton would not please them; they must have something more nice and delicate, like the fish they did eat in Egypt. Food would not serve; they must be feasted. They had feasted with God upon the peace-offerings which they had their share of; but it seems God did not keep a table good enough for them, they must have daintier bits than any that came to his altar (Henry, 1996).
Note, It is an evidence of the dominion of the carnal mind when we are solicitous to have all the delights and satisfactions of sense wound up to the height of pleasurableness. Be not desirous of dainties, Prov. 23:1-3. If God gives us food convenient, we ought to be thankful, though we do not eat the fat and drink the sweet. (4.) They distrusted the power and goodness of God as insufficient for their supply: Who will give us flesh to eat? taking it for granted that God could not. Thus this question is commented upon, Ps. 78:19, 20, Can he provide flesh also? though he had given them flesh with their bread once, when he saw fit (Ex. 16:13), and they might have expected that he would do it again, and in mercy, if, instead of murmuring, they had prayed. Note, It is an offence to God to let our desires go beyond our faith. (5.) They were eager and importunate in their desires; they lusted a lust, so the word is, lusted greatly and greedily, till they wept again for vexation (Henry, 1996),
So childish were the children of Israel, and so humoursome, that they cried because they had not what they would have and when they would have it. They did not offer up this desire to God, but would rather be beholden to any one else than to him. We should not indulge ourselves in any desire which we cannot in faith turn into prayer, as we cannot when we ask meat for our lust, Ps. 78:18. For this sin the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly against them, which is written for our admonition, that we should not lust after evil things as they lusted, 1 Co. 10:6. (6.) Flesh is good food, and may lawfully be eaten; yet they are said to lust after evil things. What is lawful of itself becomes evil to us when it is what God does not allot to us and yet we eagerly desire it (Henry, 1996).
Reflection:
The children of Israel made a conscious decision to agree with those that were mixed in with the chosen people of God. They forgot whom their God was, and joined forces with a bunch of individuals that were greedy for what they were accustomed to in the land of bondage and slavery. They voiced there opinions loudly, and boisterously among the people; to the point that God heard, and so did Moses. God was angry with the children of Israel for having no faith in Him to provide what He knew they needed, and to accuse Him of not being able to provide for them. God had provided Manna for them in the wilderness of Sinai, every single day, and up until now it was sufficient. However, when they began to listen to the voice of those that had no relationship with God, and started complaining about the provision of God, they were rebuked by God Himself.
God provides according to what He know is best for us, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Even though we think we know what we need, our Father knows best. We shoud refrain from complaining, because God sees and knows every angle of our life. He knows exactly what we need, and when we need it. As children of God, we must remember to trust the timing of God, be thankful for the provisions of today, and not to be concerned about the provisions of tomorrow. For God knows what we have need of before we even ask.
Strong's Concordance Definitions: King James Version (Numbers 11:4)
Rabble: 628
1) collection, rabble, collected multitude, mixed multitude
that was among: 7130
1) midst, among, inner part, middle
a) inward part
1) physical sense
2) as seat of thought and emotion
3) as faculty of thought and emotion
b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons)
c) entrails (of sacrificial animals)
them, fell a lusting: 183
1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer
a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink)
b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)
of Israel: 3478
Israel = "God prevails"
1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel
2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob
a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split
b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah
c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
also wept: 1058
1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears
a) (Qal)
1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy)
2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.)
3) to weep upon (embrace and weep)
4) to bewail
b) (Piel) participle
1) lamenting
2) bewailing
who shall give us flesh: 1320
1) flesh
a) of the body
1) of humans
2) of animals
b) the body itself
c) male organ of generation (euphemism)
d) kindred, blood-relations
e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God)
f) all living things
g) animals
h) mankind
to eat: 398
1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed
a) (Qal)
1) to eat (human subject)
2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds)
3) to devour, consume (of fire)
4) to devour, slay (of sword)
5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought)
6) to devour (of oppression)
b) (Niphal)
1) to be eaten (by men)
2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire)
3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh)
c) (Pual)
1) to cause to eat, feed with
2) to cause to devour
d) (Hiphil)
1) to feed
2) to cause to eat
e) (Piel)
1) consume
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Numbers 11 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 25 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Num&c=11&t=NASB
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Numbers 11." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 25 Feb 2010. http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=758&commInfo=5&topic=Numbers&ar=Num_11_4
Higgins, S. (2010). Father Knows Best. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com
Wednesday
An Obedient Leader
Scripture(s): Numbers 7:1-2
Now on the day that Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, he anointed it and consecrated it with all its furnishings and the altar and all its utensils; he anointed them and consecrated them also. Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of their fathers' households, made an offering (they were the leaders of the tribes; they were the ones who were over the numbered men).
Commentary:
God having set up house (as it were) in the midst of the camp of Israel, the princes of Israel here come a visiting with their presents, as tenants to their landlord, in the name of their respective tribes. I. They brought presents, 1. Upon the dedication of the tabernacle, for the service of that (v. 1-9). 2. Upon the dedication of the altar, for the use of that (v. 10–88). And, II. God graciously signified his acceptance of them (v. 89). The two foregoing chapters were the records of additional laws which God gave to Israel, this is the history of the additional services which Israel performed to God (Henry, 1996).
Here is the offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle. Observe,
I. When it was; not till it was fully set up, v. 1. When all things were done both about the tabernacle itself, and the camp of Israel which surrounded it, according to the directions given, then they began their presents, probably about the eighth day of the second month. Note, Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings: first those, and then these (Henry, 1996).
II. Who it was that offered: The princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, v. 2. Note, Those that are above others in power and dignity ought to go before others, and endeavour to go beyond them, in every thing that is good. The more any are advanced the more is expected from them, on account of the greater opportunity they have of serving God and their generation. What are wealth and authority good for, but as they enable a man to do so much the more good in the world (Henry, 1996)?
Strong's Concordance Definitions?
Moses: 4872
Moses = "drawn"
1) the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Had fully: 3615
1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent
a) (Qal)
1) to be complete, be at an end
2) to be completed, be finished
3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled
4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense)
5) to be spent, be used up
6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail
7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed
b) (Piel)
1) to complete, bring to an end, finish
2) to complete (a period of time)
3) to finish (doing a thing)
4) to make an end, end
5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass
6) to accomplish, determine (in thought)
7) to put an end to, cause to cease
8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend
9) to destroy, exterminate
c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Set up: 6965
1) to rise, arise, stand, rise up, stand up
a) (Qal)
1) to arise
2) to arise (hostile sense)
3) to arise, become powerful
4) to arise, come on the scene
5) to stand
a) to maintain oneself
b) to be established, be confirmed
c) to stand, endure
d) to be fixed
e) to be valid
f) to be proven
g) to be fulfilled
h) to persist
i) to be set, be fixed
b) (Piel)
1) to fulfil
2) to confirm, ratify, establish, impose
c) (Polel) to raise up
d) (Hithpael) to raise oneself, rise up
e) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to arise, raise
2) to raise, set up, erect, build
3) to raise up, bring on the scene
4) to raise up, rouse, stir up, investigate
5) to raise up, constitute
6) to cause to stand, set, station, establish
7) to make binding
8) to carry out, give effect to
f) (Hophal) to be raised up
the tabernacle: 4908
1) dwelling place, tabernacle
a) dwelling-place
b) dwellings
and had anointed: 4886
1) to smear, anoint, spread a liquid
a) (Qal)
1) to smear
2) to anoint (as consecration)
3) to anoint, consecrate
b) (Niphal) to be anointed
it, and sanctified: 6942
1) to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate
a) (Qal)
1) to be set apart, be consecrated
2) to be hallowed
3) consecrated, tabooed
b) (Niphal)
1) to show oneself sacred or majestic
2) to be honoured, be treated as sacred
3) to be holy
c) (Piel)
1) to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate
2) to observe as holy, keep sacred
3) to honour as sacred, hallow
4) to consecrate
d) (Pual)
1) to be consecrated
2) consecrated, dedicated
e) (Hiphil)
1) to set apart, devote, consecrate
2) to regard or treat as sacred or hallow
3) to consecrate
f) (Hithpael)
1) to keep oneself apart or separate
2) to cause Himself to be hallowed (of God)
3) to be observed as holy
4) to consecrate oneself
it, and all the instruments: 3627
1) article, vessel, implement, utensil
a) article, object (general)
b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel
1) implement (of hunting or war)
2) implement (of music)
3) implement, tool (of labour)
4) equipment, yoke (of oxen)
5) utensils, furniture
c) vessel, receptacle (general)
d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Reflection:
Moses was an obedient leader. God spoke with Moses on a regular basis, and instructed him on what he should do, and how he should do it. Moses did exactly what God told him to do. He did not complain about the responsibilities that God gave him; he just did what he was told. He was an awesome leader, that set an example for the other leaders to follow. He was at his post before anyone else was. He was in charge of so much, yet, he fulfilled his responsibilities of consecrating the meeting place, and everything that was in it; including all the utensils. This was not a small feat, it took many days, and it required much work. Regardless of how much work that it took, and how long it took, Moses was committed to God in consecrating the meeting place, and he completed his tasks.
Prayer:
Father God, I thank you for giving me the strength to be obedient in everything that you give me to do, without murmuring or complaining. I thank you for the tenancity to complete everything that you give me to do, with a willing heart. Thank you for guiding me throughout this day to do what you would have me to do. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Numbers 7 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 24 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Num&c=7&t=NASB
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Numbers 7." Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 24 Feb 2010.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm AuthorID=4&contentID=754&commInfo=5&topic=Numbers&ar=Num_7_1
Higgins, S. (2010). An Obedient Leader. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing, http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com
Now on the day that Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, he anointed it and consecrated it with all its furnishings and the altar and all its utensils; he anointed them and consecrated them also. Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of their fathers' households, made an offering (they were the leaders of the tribes; they were the ones who were over the numbered men).
Commentary:
God having set up house (as it were) in the midst of the camp of Israel, the princes of Israel here come a visiting with their presents, as tenants to their landlord, in the name of their respective tribes. I. They brought presents, 1. Upon the dedication of the tabernacle, for the service of that (v. 1-9). 2. Upon the dedication of the altar, for the use of that (v. 10–88). And, II. God graciously signified his acceptance of them (v. 89). The two foregoing chapters were the records of additional laws which God gave to Israel, this is the history of the additional services which Israel performed to God (Henry, 1996).
Here is the offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle. Observe,
I. When it was; not till it was fully set up, v. 1. When all things were done both about the tabernacle itself, and the camp of Israel which surrounded it, according to the directions given, then they began their presents, probably about the eighth day of the second month. Note, Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings: first those, and then these (Henry, 1996).
II. Who it was that offered: The princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, v. 2. Note, Those that are above others in power and dignity ought to go before others, and endeavour to go beyond them, in every thing that is good. The more any are advanced the more is expected from them, on account of the greater opportunity they have of serving God and their generation. What are wealth and authority good for, but as they enable a man to do so much the more good in the world (Henry, 1996)?
Strong's Concordance Definitions?
Moses: 4872
Moses = "drawn"
1) the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Had fully: 3615
1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent
a) (Qal)
1) to be complete, be at an end
2) to be completed, be finished
3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled
4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense)
5) to be spent, be used up
6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail
7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed
b) (Piel)
1) to complete, bring to an end, finish
2) to complete (a period of time)
3) to finish (doing a thing)
4) to make an end, end
5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass
6) to accomplish, determine (in thought)
7) to put an end to, cause to cease
8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend
9) to destroy, exterminate
c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Set up: 6965
1) to rise, arise, stand, rise up, stand up
a) (Qal)
1) to arise
2) to arise (hostile sense)
3) to arise, become powerful
4) to arise, come on the scene
5) to stand
a) to maintain oneself
b) to be established, be confirmed
c) to stand, endure
d) to be fixed
e) to be valid
f) to be proven
g) to be fulfilled
h) to persist
i) to be set, be fixed
b) (Piel)
1) to fulfil
2) to confirm, ratify, establish, impose
c) (Polel) to raise up
d) (Hithpael) to raise oneself, rise up
e) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to arise, raise
2) to raise, set up, erect, build
3) to raise up, bring on the scene
4) to raise up, rouse, stir up, investigate
5) to raise up, constitute
6) to cause to stand, set, station, establish
7) to make binding
8) to carry out, give effect to
f) (Hophal) to be raised up
the tabernacle: 4908
1) dwelling place, tabernacle
a) dwelling-place
b) dwellings
and had anointed: 4886
1) to smear, anoint, spread a liquid
a) (Qal)
1) to smear
2) to anoint (as consecration)
3) to anoint, consecrate
b) (Niphal) to be anointed
it, and sanctified: 6942
1) to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate
a) (Qal)
1) to be set apart, be consecrated
2) to be hallowed
3) consecrated, tabooed
b) (Niphal)
1) to show oneself sacred or majestic
2) to be honoured, be treated as sacred
3) to be holy
c) (Piel)
1) to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate
2) to observe as holy, keep sacred
3) to honour as sacred, hallow
4) to consecrate
d) (Pual)
1) to be consecrated
2) consecrated, dedicated
e) (Hiphil)
1) to set apart, devote, consecrate
2) to regard or treat as sacred or hallow
3) to consecrate
f) (Hithpael)
1) to keep oneself apart or separate
2) to cause Himself to be hallowed (of God)
3) to be observed as holy
4) to consecrate oneself
it, and all the instruments: 3627
1) article, vessel, implement, utensil
a) article, object (general)
b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel
1) implement (of hunting or war)
2) implement (of music)
3) implement, tool (of labour)
4) equipment, yoke (of oxen)
5) utensils, furniture
c) vessel, receptacle (general)
d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Reflection:
Moses was an obedient leader. God spoke with Moses on a regular basis, and instructed him on what he should do, and how he should do it. Moses did exactly what God told him to do. He did not complain about the responsibilities that God gave him; he just did what he was told. He was an awesome leader, that set an example for the other leaders to follow. He was at his post before anyone else was. He was in charge of so much, yet, he fulfilled his responsibilities of consecrating the meeting place, and everything that was in it; including all the utensils. This was not a small feat, it took many days, and it required much work. Regardless of how much work that it took, and how long it took, Moses was committed to God in consecrating the meeting place, and he completed his tasks.
Prayer:
Father God, I thank you for giving me the strength to be obedient in everything that you give me to do, without murmuring or complaining. I thank you for the tenancity to complete everything that you give me to do, with a willing heart. Thank you for guiding me throughout this day to do what you would have me to do. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Numbers 7 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 24 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Num&c=7&t=NASB
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Numbers 7." Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 24 Feb 2010.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm AuthorID=4&contentID=754&commInfo=5&topic=Numbers&ar=Num_7_1
Higgins, S. (2010). An Obedient Leader. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing, http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com
Tuesday
The Planter, The Gardner & The Root
Scriptures: Mark 4:26-29
And He was saying, "The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows—how, he himself does not know. "The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. "But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come."
Commentary:
III. The good seed of the gospel sown in the world, and sown in the heart, doth by degrees produce wonderful effects, but without noise (v. 26, etc.); So is the kingdom of God; so is the gospel, when it is sown, and received, as seed in good ground.
1. It will come up; though it seem lost and buried under the clods, it will find or make its way through them. The seed cast into the ground will spring. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself, as the wisdom from above doth in a good conversation. After a field is sown with corn, how soon is the surface of it altered! How gay and pleasant doth it look, when it is covered with green!
2. The husbandman cannot describe how it comes up; it is one of the mysteries of nature; It springs and grows up, he knows not how, v. 27. He sees it has grown, but he cannot tell in what manner it grew, or what was the cause and method of its growth. Thus we know not how the Spirit by the word makes a change in the heart, any more than we can account for the blowing of the wind, which we hear the sound of, but cannot tell whence it comes, or whither it goes. Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness; how God manifested in the flesh came to be believed on in the world, 1 Tim. 3:16.
3. The husbandman, when he hath sown the seed, doth nothing toward the springing of it up; He sleeps, and rises, night and day; goes to sleep at night, gets up in the morning, and perhaps never so much as thinks of the corn he hath sown, or ever looks upon it, but follows his pleasures or other business, and yet the earth brings forth fruit of itself, according to the ordinary course of nature, and by the concurring power of the God of nature. Thus the word of grace, when it is received in faith, is in the heart a work of grace, and the preachers contribute nothing to it. The Spirit of God is carrying it on when they sleep, and can do no business (Job 33:15, 16), or when they rise to go about other business. The prophets do not live for ever; but the word which they preached, is doing its work, when they are in their graves, Zec. 1:5, 6. The dew by which the seed is brought up tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men, Mic. 5:7.
Reflection:
The body of Christ has a responsibility to plant the seed of the word of God in the lives of people. Once the word of God is sown in the hearts of individuals that have heard the word of God, the word begins to work on the inside of a person, and the person becomes more mature in the things of God. As the scripture says, one plants, another waters, and God gives the increase. Therefore, the growth of the body of Christ is caused by God himself, not man. The ground yields fruit of itself, because the seed of the life of Christ was planted in the belly of the earth. The church does not grow based on man's efforts, it grows based on the seed of Christ. We are instruments that God uses to plant the seed of His word. We cannot take credit for it's growth. Nor should we spend countless hours, and restless nights stressing about how many members are in our churches. We should just do our part as He instructs us, and He will do the rest.
Prayer:
Father God, I thank you for the opportunity to plant the seed of your word, where you say to plant it. I thank you for blessing me with your word in my heart, so that not only I can become mature in the things that you desire, but so that others can also become mature; towards building your kingdom.
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
Kingdom: 932
1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule
a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom
b) of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah
c) of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah's kingdom
2) a kingdom, the territory subject to the rule of a king
3) used in the N.T. to refer to the reign of the Messiah
of God: 2316
1) a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities
2) the Godhead, trinity
a) God the Father, the first person in the trinity
b) Christ, the second person of the trinity
c) Holy Spirit, the third person in the trinity
3) spoken of the only and true God
a) refers to the things of God
b) his counsels, interests, things due to him
4) whatever can in any respect be likened unto God, or resemble him in any way
a) God's representative or viceregent
1) of magistrates and judges
who casts: 906
1) a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities
2) the Godhead, trinity
a) God the Father, the first person in the trinity
b) Christ, the second person of the trinity
c) Holy Spirit, the third person in the trinity
3)spoken of the only and true God
a) refers to the things of God
b) his counsels, interests, things due to him
4) whatever can in any respect be likened unto God, or resemble him in any way
a) God's representative or viceregent
1) of magistrates and judges
seed: 4703
1) a sowing
2) seed (used in sowing)
the soil: 1093
1) arable land
2) the ground, the earth as a standing place
3) the main land as opposed to the sea or water
4) the earth as a whole
a) the earth as opposed to the heavens
b) the inhabited earth, the abode of men and animals
5) a country, land enclosed within fixed boundaries, a tract of land, territory, region
and he goes to bed: 2518
1) to fall asleep, drop off to sleep
2) to sleep
a) to sleep normally
b) euphemistically, to be dead
c) metaph.
1) to yield to sloth and sin
2) to be indifferent to one's salvation
at night: 3571
1) night
2) metaph. the time when work ceases
a) the time of death
b) the time for deeds of sin and shame
c) the time of moral stupidity and darkness
d) the time when the weary and also the drunken give themselves up to slumber
and gets: 1453
1) to arouse, cause to rise
a) to arouse from sleep, to awake
b) to arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to life
c) to cause to rise from a seat or bed etc.
d) to raise up, produce, cause to appear
1) to cause to appear, bring before the public
2) to raise up, stir up, against one
3) to raise up i.e. cause to be born
4) of buildings, to raise up, construct, erect
up by day: 2250
1) the day, used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night
a) in the daytime
b) metaph., "the day" is regarded as the time for abstaining from indulgence, vice, crime, because acts of the sort are perpetrated at night and in darkness
2) of the civil day, or the space of twenty four hours (thus including the night)
a) Eastern usage of this term differs from our western usage. Any part of a day is counted as a whole day, hence the expression "three days and three nights" does not mean literally three whole days, but at least one whole day plus part of two other days.
3) of the last day of this present age, the day Christ will return from heaven, raise the dead, hold the final judgment, and perfect his kingdom
4) used of time in general, i.e. the days of his life.
sprouts: 985
1) to sprout, bud, put forth new leaves
2) to produce
and grows: 3373
1) to make long, to lengthen
2) in the Bible twice of plants, to cause to grow, increase
how . ..he himself does not know: 846
1) himself, herself, themselves, itself
2) he, she, it
3) the same
produces 2592
1) to bear fruit
2) to bear, bring forth, deeds
3) to bear fruit of one's self
by itself: 844
1) moved by one's own impulse, or acting without the instigation or intervention of another
2) often used of the earth producing plants of itself, and of the plants themselves and the fruits growing without culture
first: 4413
1) first in time or place
a) in any succession of things or persons
2) first in rank
a) influence, honour
b) chief
c) principal
3) first, at the first
the blade: 5528
1) first in time or place
a) in any succession of things or persons
2) first in rank
a) influence, honour
b) chief
c) principal
3) first, at the first
the head: 4719
1) an ear of corn or of growing grain
the mature: 4134
1) full, i.e. filled up (as opposed to empty)
a) of hollow vessels
b) of a surface, covered in every part
c) of the soul, thoroughly permeated with
2) full, i.e. complete
a) lacking nothing, perfect
grain: 4621
1) wheat, grain
in the head: 4719
1) an ear of corn or of growing grain
the crop: 2590
1) fruit
a) the fruit of the trees, vines, of the fields
b) the fruit of one's loins, i.e. his progeny, his posterity
2) that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result
a) work, act, deed
b) advantage, profit, utility
c) praises, which are presented to God as a thank offering
d) to gather fruit (i.e. a reaped harvest) into life eternal (as into a granary), is used in fig. discourse of those who by their labours have fitted souls to obtain eternal life
permits: 3860
1) to give into the hands (of another)
2) to give over into (one's) power or use
a) to deliver to one something to keep, use, take care of, manage
b) to deliver up one to custody, to be judged, condemned, punished, scourged, tormented, put to death
c) to deliver up treacherously
1) by betrayal to cause one to be taken
2) to deliver one to be taught, moulded
3) to commit, to commend
4) to deliver verbally
a) commands, rites
b) to deliver by narrating, to report
5) to permit allow
a) when the fruit will allow that is when its ripeness permits
b) gives itself up, presents itself
he immediately: 2117
1) straight, level
2) straight forward, upright, true, sincere
3) straightway, immediately, forthwith
puts: 649
1) to order (one) to go to a place appointed
2) to send away, dismiss
a) to allow one to depart, that he may be in a state of liberty
b) to order one to depart, send off
c) to drive away
in the sickle: 1407
1) a sickle, a pruning-hook, a hooked vine knife, such as reapers and vinedressers use
the harvest: 2326
1) harvest, the act of reaping
a) fig. of the gathering of men into the kingdom of God
b) referring to time of reaping, the final judgment, when the righteous are gathered into the kingdom of God and the wicked are cast into hell for ever
has come: 3936
1) to place beside or near
a) to set at hand
1) to present
2) to proffer
3) to provide
4) to place a person or thing at one's disposal
5) to present a person for another to see and question
6) to present or show
7) to bring to, bring near
8) metaph. i.e to bring into one's fellowship or intimacy
b) to present (show) by argument, to prove
2) to stand beside, stand by or near, to be at hand, be present
a) to stand by
1) to stand beside one, a bystander
b) to appear
c) to be at hand, stand ready
d) to stand by to help, to succour
e) to be present
1) to have come
2) of time
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Mark 4 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 23 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=4&t=NASB
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Mark 4." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 23 Feb 2010. http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm? AuthorID=4&contentID=1628&commInfo=5&topic=Mark&ar=Mar_4_26
Higgins, S. (2010). The Planter, The Gardner & The Root. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot, http://www.higginspublishing.com
And He was saying, "The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows—how, he himself does not know. "The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. "But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come."
Commentary:
III. The good seed of the gospel sown in the world, and sown in the heart, doth by degrees produce wonderful effects, but without noise (v. 26, etc.); So is the kingdom of God; so is the gospel, when it is sown, and received, as seed in good ground.
1. It will come up; though it seem lost and buried under the clods, it will find or make its way through them. The seed cast into the ground will spring. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself, as the wisdom from above doth in a good conversation. After a field is sown with corn, how soon is the surface of it altered! How gay and pleasant doth it look, when it is covered with green!
2. The husbandman cannot describe how it comes up; it is one of the mysteries of nature; It springs and grows up, he knows not how, v. 27. He sees it has grown, but he cannot tell in what manner it grew, or what was the cause and method of its growth. Thus we know not how the Spirit by the word makes a change in the heart, any more than we can account for the blowing of the wind, which we hear the sound of, but cannot tell whence it comes, or whither it goes. Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness; how God manifested in the flesh came to be believed on in the world, 1 Tim. 3:16.
3. The husbandman, when he hath sown the seed, doth nothing toward the springing of it up; He sleeps, and rises, night and day; goes to sleep at night, gets up in the morning, and perhaps never so much as thinks of the corn he hath sown, or ever looks upon it, but follows his pleasures or other business, and yet the earth brings forth fruit of itself, according to the ordinary course of nature, and by the concurring power of the God of nature. Thus the word of grace, when it is received in faith, is in the heart a work of grace, and the preachers contribute nothing to it. The Spirit of God is carrying it on when they sleep, and can do no business (Job 33:15, 16), or when they rise to go about other business. The prophets do not live for ever; but the word which they preached, is doing its work, when they are in their graves, Zec. 1:5, 6. The dew by which the seed is brought up tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men, Mic. 5:7.
Reflection:
The body of Christ has a responsibility to plant the seed of the word of God in the lives of people. Once the word of God is sown in the hearts of individuals that have heard the word of God, the word begins to work on the inside of a person, and the person becomes more mature in the things of God. As the scripture says, one plants, another waters, and God gives the increase. Therefore, the growth of the body of Christ is caused by God himself, not man. The ground yields fruit of itself, because the seed of the life of Christ was planted in the belly of the earth. The church does not grow based on man's efforts, it grows based on the seed of Christ. We are instruments that God uses to plant the seed of His word. We cannot take credit for it's growth. Nor should we spend countless hours, and restless nights stressing about how many members are in our churches. We should just do our part as He instructs us, and He will do the rest.
Prayer:
Father God, I thank you for the opportunity to plant the seed of your word, where you say to plant it. I thank you for blessing me with your word in my heart, so that not only I can become mature in the things that you desire, but so that others can also become mature; towards building your kingdom.
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
Kingdom: 932
1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule
a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom
b) of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah
c) of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah's kingdom
2) a kingdom, the territory subject to the rule of a king
3) used in the N.T. to refer to the reign of the Messiah
of God: 2316
1) a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities
2) the Godhead, trinity
a) God the Father, the first person in the trinity
b) Christ, the second person of the trinity
c) Holy Spirit, the third person in the trinity
3) spoken of the only and true God
a) refers to the things of God
b) his counsels, interests, things due to him
4) whatever can in any respect be likened unto God, or resemble him in any way
a) God's representative or viceregent
1) of magistrates and judges
who casts: 906
1) a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities
2) the Godhead, trinity
a) God the Father, the first person in the trinity
b) Christ, the second person of the trinity
c) Holy Spirit, the third person in the trinity
3)spoken of the only and true God
a) refers to the things of God
b) his counsels, interests, things due to him
4) whatever can in any respect be likened unto God, or resemble him in any way
a) God's representative or viceregent
1) of magistrates and judges
seed: 4703
1) a sowing
2) seed (used in sowing)
the soil: 1093
1) arable land
2) the ground, the earth as a standing place
3) the main land as opposed to the sea or water
4) the earth as a whole
a) the earth as opposed to the heavens
b) the inhabited earth, the abode of men and animals
5) a country, land enclosed within fixed boundaries, a tract of land, territory, region
and he goes to bed: 2518
1) to fall asleep, drop off to sleep
2) to sleep
a) to sleep normally
b) euphemistically, to be dead
c) metaph.
1) to yield to sloth and sin
2) to be indifferent to one's salvation
at night: 3571
1) night
2) metaph. the time when work ceases
a) the time of death
b) the time for deeds of sin and shame
c) the time of moral stupidity and darkness
d) the time when the weary and also the drunken give themselves up to slumber
and gets: 1453
1) to arouse, cause to rise
a) to arouse from sleep, to awake
b) to arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to life
c) to cause to rise from a seat or bed etc.
d) to raise up, produce, cause to appear
1) to cause to appear, bring before the public
2) to raise up, stir up, against one
3) to raise up i.e. cause to be born
4) of buildings, to raise up, construct, erect
up by day: 2250
1) the day, used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night
a) in the daytime
b) metaph., "the day" is regarded as the time for abstaining from indulgence, vice, crime, because acts of the sort are perpetrated at night and in darkness
2) of the civil day, or the space of twenty four hours (thus including the night)
a) Eastern usage of this term differs from our western usage. Any part of a day is counted as a whole day, hence the expression "three days and three nights" does not mean literally three whole days, but at least one whole day plus part of two other days.
3) of the last day of this present age, the day Christ will return from heaven, raise the dead, hold the final judgment, and perfect his kingdom
4) used of time in general, i.e. the days of his life.
sprouts: 985
1) to sprout, bud, put forth new leaves
2) to produce
and grows: 3373
1) to make long, to lengthen
2) in the Bible twice of plants, to cause to grow, increase
how . ..he himself does not know: 846
1) himself, herself, themselves, itself
2) he, she, it
3) the same
produces 2592
1) to bear fruit
2) to bear, bring forth, deeds
3) to bear fruit of one's self
by itself: 844
1) moved by one's own impulse, or acting without the instigation or intervention of another
2) often used of the earth producing plants of itself, and of the plants themselves and the fruits growing without culture
first: 4413
1) first in time or place
a) in any succession of things or persons
2) first in rank
a) influence, honour
b) chief
c) principal
3) first, at the first
the blade: 5528
1) first in time or place
a) in any succession of things or persons
2) first in rank
a) influence, honour
b) chief
c) principal
3) first, at the first
the head: 4719
1) an ear of corn or of growing grain
the mature: 4134
1) full, i.e. filled up (as opposed to empty)
a) of hollow vessels
b) of a surface, covered in every part
c) of the soul, thoroughly permeated with
2) full, i.e. complete
a) lacking nothing, perfect
grain: 4621
1) wheat, grain
in the head: 4719
1) an ear of corn or of growing grain
the crop: 2590
1) fruit
a) the fruit of the trees, vines, of the fields
b) the fruit of one's loins, i.e. his progeny, his posterity
2) that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result
a) work, act, deed
b) advantage, profit, utility
c) praises, which are presented to God as a thank offering
d) to gather fruit (i.e. a reaped harvest) into life eternal (as into a granary), is used in fig. discourse of those who by their labours have fitted souls to obtain eternal life
permits: 3860
1) to give into the hands (of another)
2) to give over into (one's) power or use
a) to deliver to one something to keep, use, take care of, manage
b) to deliver up one to custody, to be judged, condemned, punished, scourged, tormented, put to death
c) to deliver up treacherously
1) by betrayal to cause one to be taken
2) to deliver one to be taught, moulded
3) to commit, to commend
4) to deliver verbally
a) commands, rites
b) to deliver by narrating, to report
5) to permit allow
a) when the fruit will allow that is when its ripeness permits
b) gives itself up, presents itself
he immediately: 2117
1) straight, level
2) straight forward, upright, true, sincere
3) straightway, immediately, forthwith
puts: 649
1) to order (one) to go to a place appointed
2) to send away, dismiss
a) to allow one to depart, that he may be in a state of liberty
b) to order one to depart, send off
c) to drive away
in the sickle: 1407
1) a sickle, a pruning-hook, a hooked vine knife, such as reapers and vinedressers use
the harvest: 2326
1) harvest, the act of reaping
a) fig. of the gathering of men into the kingdom of God
b) referring to time of reaping, the final judgment, when the righteous are gathered into the kingdom of God and the wicked are cast into hell for ever
has come: 3936
1) to place beside or near
a) to set at hand
1) to present
2) to proffer
3) to provide
4) to place a person or thing at one's disposal
5) to present a person for another to see and question
6) to present or show
7) to bring to, bring near
8) metaph. i.e to bring into one's fellowship or intimacy
b) to present (show) by argument, to prove
2) to stand beside, stand by or near, to be at hand, be present
a) to stand by
1) to stand beside one, a bystander
b) to appear
c) to be at hand, stand ready
d) to stand by to help, to succour
e) to be present
1) to have come
2) of time
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Mark 4 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 23 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=4&t=NASB
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Mark 4." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 23 Feb 2010. http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm? AuthorID=4&contentID=1628&commInfo=5&topic=Mark&ar=Mar_4_26
Higgins, S. (2010). The Planter, The Gardner & The Root. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot, http://www.higginspublishing.com
Monday
Love, Prayer and Action
Scripture(2): Mark 3:20-21
And He came home, and the crowd gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal.
When His own people heard of this, they went out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, "He has lost His senses."
Commentary:
Jesus had come home after he had ministered to an abundance of people from Judea, and from Jerusalem, and beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. When He retuned home, there was a massive crowd around Him, to the point that they could not eat. The crowd gathered around Him because they heard of all the good that He had done, and the miracles that He had performed. However, those that were closest to Him, did not believe in Him. They thought that he was crazy, because they did not understand His purpose or His mission. They sought to take Him into custody. His family did not believe him, and were probably embarrassed by everything that He was doing. They were possibly even fearful, because He was upsetting officials in high places.
Reflection:
When the people who are closest to us to do not understand us, they may create all kinds of stories that are untrue. The stories that they create, are based on their own understanding. Therefore, it is limited thinking, based on human reasoning; that cannot be compared to the mind of God. This is why it is so important for us to get an understanding of the Word of God; and pray for Him to reveal things to us that we do not understand. The more time that we spend with Him, the more He will reveal to us. The benefit of spending time with God, is the love that He sheds abroad in our hearts; that defeats a judgmental spirit.
It is important for us to really understand those that we are closest too; or to remember those that we were once close too. When situations arise that come to make us doubt the character, or heart of a person; we will know, beyond a shadow-of-a-doubt, that it is a trick of the enemy to bring division among the believers of the body of Christ. We should not be so quick to judge one another, when we see contrary behavior of those that we know, and love. We should be quick to speak to the issue, and say what God says about them. Our position is to pray for one another, so that we all stay on course toward our destination in Christ. There are enough things in this world, to make us all crazy; however, God is the one that keeps every last one of us. If by chance one experiences challenges that seem to be insummountable, or one utterly falls; it is our responsibility to encourage, and lift one another up in love, prayer, and action.
Strong's Concordance Definition: Mark 3:20
When His own people heard: 191
1) to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf
2) to hear
b) to attend to, consider what is or has been said
c) to understand, perceive the sense of what is said
3) to hear something
a) to perceive by the ear what is announced in one's presence
b) to get by hearing learn
c) a thing comes to one's ears, to find out, learn
d) to give ear to a teaching or a teacher
e) to comprehend, to understand
Out to take custody: 2902
1) to have power, be powerful
a) to be chief, be master of, to rule
2) to get possession of
a) to become master of, to obtain
b) to take hold of
c) to take hold of, take, seize
1) to lay hands on one in order to get him into one's power
3) to hold
a) to hold in the hand
b) to hold fast, i.e. not discard or let go
1) to keep carefully and faithfully
c) to continue to hold, to retain
1) of death continuing to hold one
2) to hold in check, restrain
of Him, for they were saying: 3004
1) to say, to speak
a) affirm over, maintain
b) to teach
c) to exhort, advise, to command, direct
d) to point out with words, intend, mean, mean to say
e) to call by name, to call, name
f) to speak out, speak of, mention
He has lost His senses: 1839
1) to throw out of position, displace
a) to amaze, to astonish, throw into wonderment
b) to be amazed, astounded
c) to be out of one's mind, besides one's self, insane
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Mark 3 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 22 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=3&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2010). Love, Prayer and Action. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthough.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
And He came home, and the crowd gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal.
When His own people heard of this, they went out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, "He has lost His senses."
Commentary:
Jesus had come home after he had ministered to an abundance of people from Judea, and from Jerusalem, and beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. When He retuned home, there was a massive crowd around Him, to the point that they could not eat. The crowd gathered around Him because they heard of all the good that He had done, and the miracles that He had performed. However, those that were closest to Him, did not believe in Him. They thought that he was crazy, because they did not understand His purpose or His mission. They sought to take Him into custody. His family did not believe him, and were probably embarrassed by everything that He was doing. They were possibly even fearful, because He was upsetting officials in high places.
Reflection:
When the people who are closest to us to do not understand us, they may create all kinds of stories that are untrue. The stories that they create, are based on their own understanding. Therefore, it is limited thinking, based on human reasoning; that cannot be compared to the mind of God. This is why it is so important for us to get an understanding of the Word of God; and pray for Him to reveal things to us that we do not understand. The more time that we spend with Him, the more He will reveal to us. The benefit of spending time with God, is the love that He sheds abroad in our hearts; that defeats a judgmental spirit.
It is important for us to really understand those that we are closest too; or to remember those that we were once close too. When situations arise that come to make us doubt the character, or heart of a person; we will know, beyond a shadow-of-a-doubt, that it is a trick of the enemy to bring division among the believers of the body of Christ. We should not be so quick to judge one another, when we see contrary behavior of those that we know, and love. We should be quick to speak to the issue, and say what God says about them. Our position is to pray for one another, so that we all stay on course toward our destination in Christ. There are enough things in this world, to make us all crazy; however, God is the one that keeps every last one of us. If by chance one experiences challenges that seem to be insummountable, or one utterly falls; it is our responsibility to encourage, and lift one another up in love, prayer, and action.
Strong's Concordance Definition: Mark 3:20
When His own people heard: 191
1) to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf
2) to hear
b) to attend to, consider what is or has been said
c) to understand, perceive the sense of what is said
3) to hear something
a) to perceive by the ear what is announced in one's presence
b) to get by hearing learn
c) a thing comes to one's ears, to find out, learn
d) to give ear to a teaching or a teacher
e) to comprehend, to understand
Out to take custody: 2902
1) to have power, be powerful
a) to be chief, be master of, to rule
2) to get possession of
a) to become master of, to obtain
b) to take hold of
c) to take hold of, take, seize
1) to lay hands on one in order to get him into one's power
3) to hold
a) to hold in the hand
b) to hold fast, i.e. not discard or let go
1) to keep carefully and faithfully
c) to continue to hold, to retain
1) of death continuing to hold one
2) to hold in check, restrain
of Him, for they were saying: 3004
1) to say, to speak
a) affirm over, maintain
b) to teach
c) to exhort, advise, to command, direct
d) to point out with words, intend, mean, mean to say
e) to call by name, to call, name
f) to speak out, speak of, mention
He has lost His senses: 1839
1) to throw out of position, displace
a) to amaze, to astonish, throw into wonderment
b) to be amazed, astounded
c) to be out of one's mind, besides one's self, insane
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Mark 3 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 22 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=3&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2010). Love, Prayer and Action. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthough.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
Sunday
The Control Factor
Scriptures: Mark 3:2-3:6
He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered. They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. He said to the man with the withered hand, "Get up and come forward!" And He said to them, "Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?" But they kept silent. After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately began conspiring with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.
Commentary:
The Phaisees were looking for a way to condemn Jesus, so they tried to create situations in which He would say, or do omething, that would make Him guilty by their own man-made laws. However, no matter what they tried to do, or say, Jesus stood His ground. He was not persuaded by their self-righteous efforts. He was not intimidated by the wickedness of their heart. He stayed His course, and would not allow anyone to deter him from it. The man with the withered hand was more important to Him, than any of His opposers. Therefore, Jesus spoke healing and restoration, rather than to neglect the man that needed healing; out of fear, or intimidation of what man would say or do.
Reflection:
Jesus is the ultimate example for us to live by. By the way that He lived, the words that He spoke, and the love that He extended; we can see a perfect picture of how we are to treat one another. We should not allow the control, fear and manipulation of others to alienate us from those that we need and love, or that love and need us most. The accusations of others, are worthless; and only the love of God, shed abroad in our hearts, is of value. Allowing someone to intimidate us to the point of paralysis, or otherwise, is against the will of God; and He will vindicate us from those that use their gift of influence the wrong way. He will also allow circumstances to occur to free us from those that would manipulate us, and control us; to their own gain. However, we must also take responsiblity for what we did: what we will do, and what we allow others to influence us to do. Let us take refuge in knowing that God loves us, and that there is nothing that can separate us from His Love. Absolutely, Positively, Nothing!
Prayer:
Father God, I thank you for showing me through the circumstances of life, that you are always in control, and those whom you love, you keep. Thank you for your protection from death, and keeping me in the arms of your embrace, even when I felt underserving. You are the keeper of my soul, and you continually show me myself, in order to become more like you. I give you praise this day, and I thank you for the grace that you continually extend to me, to seek your face daily. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
to do: 4160
to make
a) with the names of things made, to produce, construct, form, fashion, etc.
b) to be the authors of, the cause
c) to make ready, to prepare
d) to produce, bear, shoot forth
e) to acquire, to provide a thing for one's self
f) to make a thing out of something
g) to (make i.e.) render one anything
1) to (make i.e.) constitute or appoint one anything, to appoint or ordain one that
2) to (make i.e.) declare one anything
h) to put one forth, to lead him out
i) to make one do something
1) cause one to
j) to be the authors of a thing (to cause, bring about)
2) to do
a) to act rightly, do well
1) to carry out, to execute
b) to do a thing unto one
1) to do to one
c) with designation of time: to pass, spend
d) to celebrate, keep
1) to make ready, and so at the same time to institute, the celebration of the passover
e) to perform: to a promise
good: G18
1) of good constitution or nature
2) useful, salutary
3) good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy
4) excellent, distinguished
5) upright, honourable
or to do harm: 2554
1) to do harm
2) to do evil, do wrong
to save: 4982
1) to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction
a) one (from injury or peril)
1) to save a suffering one (from perishing), i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health
1) to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue
b) to save in the technical biblical sense
1) negatively
a) to deliver from the penalties of the Messianic judgment
b) to save from the evils which obstruct the reception of the Messianic deliverance
a life: 5590
1) breath
a) the breath of life
1) the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing
a) of animals
b) of men
b) life
c) that in which there is life
1) a living being, a living soul
2) the soul
a) the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.)
b) the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life
c) the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death (distinguished from other parts of the body)
to kill: 615
1) to kill in any way whatever
a) to destroy, to allow to perish
2) metaph. to extinguish, abolish
a) to inflict mortal death
b) to deprive of spiritual life and procure eternal misery in hell
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Mark 3 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 21 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=3&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2010). The Control Factor. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered. They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. He said to the man with the withered hand, "Get up and come forward!" And He said to them, "Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?" But they kept silent. After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately began conspiring with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.
Commentary:
The Phaisees were looking for a way to condemn Jesus, so they tried to create situations in which He would say, or do omething, that would make Him guilty by their own man-made laws. However, no matter what they tried to do, or say, Jesus stood His ground. He was not persuaded by their self-righteous efforts. He was not intimidated by the wickedness of their heart. He stayed His course, and would not allow anyone to deter him from it. The man with the withered hand was more important to Him, than any of His opposers. Therefore, Jesus spoke healing and restoration, rather than to neglect the man that needed healing; out of fear, or intimidation of what man would say or do.
Reflection:
Jesus is the ultimate example for us to live by. By the way that He lived, the words that He spoke, and the love that He extended; we can see a perfect picture of how we are to treat one another. We should not allow the control, fear and manipulation of others to alienate us from those that we need and love, or that love and need us most. The accusations of others, are worthless; and only the love of God, shed abroad in our hearts, is of value. Allowing someone to intimidate us to the point of paralysis, or otherwise, is against the will of God; and He will vindicate us from those that use their gift of influence the wrong way. He will also allow circumstances to occur to free us from those that would manipulate us, and control us; to their own gain. However, we must also take responsiblity for what we did: what we will do, and what we allow others to influence us to do. Let us take refuge in knowing that God loves us, and that there is nothing that can separate us from His Love. Absolutely, Positively, Nothing!
Prayer:
Father God, I thank you for showing me through the circumstances of life, that you are always in control, and those whom you love, you keep. Thank you for your protection from death, and keeping me in the arms of your embrace, even when I felt underserving. You are the keeper of my soul, and you continually show me myself, in order to become more like you. I give you praise this day, and I thank you for the grace that you continually extend to me, to seek your face daily. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
to do: 4160
to make
a) with the names of things made, to produce, construct, form, fashion, etc.
b) to be the authors of, the cause
c) to make ready, to prepare
d) to produce, bear, shoot forth
e) to acquire, to provide a thing for one's self
f) to make a thing out of something
g) to (make i.e.) render one anything
1) to (make i.e.) constitute or appoint one anything, to appoint or ordain one that
2) to (make i.e.) declare one anything
h) to put one forth, to lead him out
i) to make one do something
1) cause one to
j) to be the authors of a thing (to cause, bring about)
2) to do
a) to act rightly, do well
1) to carry out, to execute
b) to do a thing unto one
1) to do to one
c) with designation of time: to pass, spend
d) to celebrate, keep
1) to make ready, and so at the same time to institute, the celebration of the passover
e) to perform: to a promise
good: G18
1) of good constitution or nature
2) useful, salutary
3) good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy
4) excellent, distinguished
5) upright, honourable
or to do harm: 2554
1) to do harm
2) to do evil, do wrong
to save: 4982
1) to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction
a) one (from injury or peril)
1) to save a suffering one (from perishing), i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health
1) to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue
b) to save in the technical biblical sense
1) negatively
a) to deliver from the penalties of the Messianic judgment
b) to save from the evils which obstruct the reception of the Messianic deliverance
a life: 5590
1) breath
a) the breath of life
1) the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing
a) of animals
b) of men
b) life
c) that in which there is life
1) a living being, a living soul
2) the soul
a) the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.)
b) the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life
c) the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death (distinguished from other parts of the body)
to kill: 615
1) to kill in any way whatever
a) to destroy, to allow to perish
2) metaph. to extinguish, abolish
a) to inflict mortal death
b) to deprive of spiritual life and procure eternal misery in hell
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Mark 3 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 21 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=3&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2010). The Control Factor. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
Friday
The First Assignment
Scripture(s). Leviticus 25: 32-34
Notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, [and] the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at any time. And if a man purchase of the Levites, then the house that was sold, and the city of his possession, shall go out in [the year of] jubile: for the houses of the cities of the Levites [are] their possession among the children of Israel. But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it [is] their perpetual possession.
History:
The Chronicler, living about 400 B.C. gave much prominenance to the Levites and presented them as highly favored instruments of God. He portrayed them as the special keepers of the ark of the covenant who were the only ones allowed to carry it (I Chr 15:2). When the ark was to be moved, the Levites were called in for that special work. Later, chosen Levites were assigned the task of ministering before the sacred place (I Chr 16:4) and of lifting praises to God in public worship services. It was a far cry from the old days when menial tasks characterized their assignments (Wycliffe, 1975)
Gradually the more specialized duties of teaching and exhorting were the more onerous duties. It became an honorable ministry with many delightful fringe benefits. It was a joy to serve before the holy sanctuary of the Lord. In describing their peculiar fitness to minister before God it was said: "The Levites were more upright in heart than the priests in sanctifying themselves."(II Chr 29:34, RSV). Thus the descendents of Levi became the purveyors of culture and religion. The divine plan had been that the whole nation should be a "kingdom of priests" and hence a holy people. The priests and the Levites became the mediators of that sacred covenant (Wycliffe, 1975).
Commentary:
Through the sequence of time God orchestrated the redeemption of mankind back to Himself as a holy people, set apart for the purpose of ministering to Him. From the beginning of time, God designed an avenue of redeemption for His people to be lead and be directed, by and for Him. The life of the Levite was invested in the people, and the land. They worked day and night in their position of servanthood to minister to God, and to bring the people of God into a place of worship.
Even though the Levites had special duties at the beginning of their assignment, over time they would be hand selected by God to be an avenue of worship and praise, to usher in the very presence of God; because they were obedient to their first assignment, and they were chosen. The Levites also taught the word of God to the people, so that the people would hear the word, and receive understanding and instruction from those chosen by God. The authority that God gave to the Levites and the Priests,was a blessing to them and to the people.
Reflection:
The life of the Lord Jesus Christ was invested in the people of God and the land, that was, and is owned by God. The plan of redeemption was the divine strategy orchestrated by God Himself.; to bring us into His very presence: to worship, praise and adore Him. The price of redeemption was the precious blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; the non-refundable record of payment that hit the ground. Let us not allow anyone to put us back into bondage by the words that they speak, or the things that they say. We have been redeemed, and there is nothing that God will not grant to us.We have been purchased with a price; for the purpose of serving our creator, and serving one another. Let us continue to worship Him with our whole hearts, and He will continually bless us with the abundant life.
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
Levites: 3881
1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah
a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
and the houses: 1004
1) house
a) house, dwelling habitation
b) shelter or abode of animals
c) human bodies (fig.)
d) of Sheol
e) of abode of light and darkness
f) of land of Ephraim
2) place
3) receptacle
4) home, house as containing a family
5) household, family
a) those belonging to the same household
b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body
6) household affairs
7) inwards (metaph.)
8) (TWOT) temple
of the cities: 5892
1) excitement, anguish
a) of terror
2) city, town (a place of waking, guarded)
a) city, town
of their possession: 272
1) possession, property
a) land
b) possession by inheritance
redeem: 1353
1) kindred, redemption, right of redemption, price of redemption
a) kin, kindred
b) redemption
c) right of redemption
d) price of redemption, redemption price
at any time:5769
1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world
a) ancient time, long time (of past)
b) (of future)
1) for ever, always
2) continuous existence, perpetual
3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
are their possession: 272
1) possession, property
a) land
b) possession by inheritance
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for `owlam (Strong's 5769)". Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 19 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm? Strongs=H5769&t=KJV
Higgins, S. (2010). The Non-Refundable Record of Payment. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing.
Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia. (1975). Levites, Vol 2. K-Z pg. 1030. Retrieved on February 19th, 2010. Moody Press, Chicago.
Notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, [and] the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at any time. And if a man purchase of the Levites, then the house that was sold, and the city of his possession, shall go out in [the year of] jubile: for the houses of the cities of the Levites [are] their possession among the children of Israel. But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it [is] their perpetual possession.
History:
The Chronicler, living about 400 B.C. gave much prominenance to the Levites and presented them as highly favored instruments of God. He portrayed them as the special keepers of the ark of the covenant who were the only ones allowed to carry it (I Chr 15:2). When the ark was to be moved, the Levites were called in for that special work. Later, chosen Levites were assigned the task of ministering before the sacred place (I Chr 16:4) and of lifting praises to God in public worship services. It was a far cry from the old days when menial tasks characterized their assignments (Wycliffe, 1975)
Gradually the more specialized duties of teaching and exhorting were the more onerous duties. It became an honorable ministry with many delightful fringe benefits. It was a joy to serve before the holy sanctuary of the Lord. In describing their peculiar fitness to minister before God it was said: "The Levites were more upright in heart than the priests in sanctifying themselves."(II Chr 29:34, RSV). Thus the descendents of Levi became the purveyors of culture and religion. The divine plan had been that the whole nation should be a "kingdom of priests" and hence a holy people. The priests and the Levites became the mediators of that sacred covenant (Wycliffe, 1975).
Commentary:
Through the sequence of time God orchestrated the redeemption of mankind back to Himself as a holy people, set apart for the purpose of ministering to Him. From the beginning of time, God designed an avenue of redeemption for His people to be lead and be directed, by and for Him. The life of the Levite was invested in the people, and the land. They worked day and night in their position of servanthood to minister to God, and to bring the people of God into a place of worship.
Even though the Levites had special duties at the beginning of their assignment, over time they would be hand selected by God to be an avenue of worship and praise, to usher in the very presence of God; because they were obedient to their first assignment, and they were chosen. The Levites also taught the word of God to the people, so that the people would hear the word, and receive understanding and instruction from those chosen by God. The authority that God gave to the Levites and the Priests,was a blessing to them and to the people.
Reflection:
The life of the Lord Jesus Christ was invested in the people of God and the land, that was, and is owned by God. The plan of redeemption was the divine strategy orchestrated by God Himself.; to bring us into His very presence: to worship, praise and adore Him. The price of redeemption was the precious blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; the non-refundable record of payment that hit the ground. Let us not allow anyone to put us back into bondage by the words that they speak, or the things that they say. We have been redeemed, and there is nothing that God will not grant to us.We have been purchased with a price; for the purpose of serving our creator, and serving one another. Let us continue to worship Him with our whole hearts, and He will continually bless us with the abundant life.
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
Levites: 3881
1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah
a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
and the houses: 1004
1) house
a) house, dwelling habitation
b) shelter or abode of animals
c) human bodies (fig.)
d) of Sheol
e) of abode of light and darkness
f) of land of Ephraim
2) place
3) receptacle
4) home, house as containing a family
5) household, family
a) those belonging to the same household
b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body
6) household affairs
7) inwards (metaph.)
8) (TWOT) temple
of the cities: 5892
1) excitement, anguish
a) of terror
2) city, town (a place of waking, guarded)
a) city, town
of their possession: 272
1) possession, property
a) land
b) possession by inheritance
redeem: 1353
1) kindred, redemption, right of redemption, price of redemption
a) kin, kindred
b) redemption
c) right of redemption
d) price of redemption, redemption price
at any time:5769
1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world
a) ancient time, long time (of past)
b) (of future)
1) for ever, always
2) continuous existence, perpetual
3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
are their possession: 272
1) possession, property
a) land
b) possession by inheritance
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for `owlam (Strong's 5769)". Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 19 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm? Strongs=H5769&t=KJV
Higgins, S. (2010). The Non-Refundable Record of Payment. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing.
Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia. (1975). Levites, Vol 2. K-Z pg. 1030. Retrieved on February 19th, 2010. Moody Press, Chicago.
Thursday
The Egyptian Husband
Leviticus: 24:10-16
Now the son of an Israelite woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the sons of Israel; and the Israelite woman's son and a man of Israel struggled with each other in the camp. The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name and cursed. So they brought him to Moses. (Now his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.) They put him in custody so that the command of the LORD might be made clear to them. Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Bring the one who has cursed outside the camp, and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then let all the congregation stone him. "You shall speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'If anyone curses his God, then he will bear his sin.
'Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him. The alien as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.
Commentary:
A mother by the name of Shelomith, who was an Israelite that had an Egyptian husband; had a son who was extremely verbal. One day in the Israelite camp, the son and an Israelite got into an altercation. The son begin to blaspheme the name of God, and curse. There were other people that were present, and witnessed the event. The son was brought to Moses, and put into custody; until the will of God was known on how to handle the actions of the son. The answer that came would be an example to those in the camp on respecting God for who He was, which is Holy. The son was then taken out of the camp, and all that witnessed his disrespectful words and attitude, stoned him to death.
Reflection:
What can be learned from this example, is that God is never to be disrespected by those in the camp, or from those that are not in the camp (Leviticus 24:16). God refused to have anyone disrepect His name, or His person. The result of such a state of disgrace was death by stoning. Just image how the mother felt when her son was stoned to death because of his words and actions; and how the father must have also felt. Regardless, of their emotional state, God would not be disrespected. The son possibly knew better; but the influence of his earthly father who was an Egyptian, may have had a stronger influence on his behavior. Possibly, he heard his father disrespect God in the house in which he was raised; and he felt as if he could do the same thing; and get away with it. Therefore, when an altercation brought out what had already been depositing in him, he was stoned to death for the condition of his heart.
God is Holy, and He should never be disrepected by those that know Him, or those who do not know him. When God is disrespected, a curse is brought upon the one in whom disrespects Him. God is our Father, and His authority should never be taken lightly, or held in contempt. When we disrespect our earthly parents, we inturn disrespect God, because He is the one that gave them authority over us, when he commanded us to obey our parents in the Lord.
Food for thought:
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for giving me a divine respect for your name and your authority in my life; which tends to a blessed life, verses the curse of death. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Strong's Concordance Definitions: Leviticus 24:16
Blasphemed: 5344
1) to pierce, perforate, bore, appoint
a) (Qal)
1) to pierce, bore
2) to prick off, designate
b) (Niphal) to be pricked off, be designated, be specified
2) (Qal) to curse, blaspheme
of the LORD, and cursed:7043
1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light
a) (Qal)
1) to be slight, be abated (of water)
2) to be swift
3) to be trifling, be of little account
b) (Niphal)
1) to be swift, show oneself swift
2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant
3) to be lightly esteemed
c) (Piel)
1) to make despicable
2) to curse
d) (Pual) to be cursed
e) (Hiphil)
1) to make light, lighten
2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour
f) (Pilpel)
1) to shake
2) to whet
g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Law of Moses - Leviticus 24 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 18 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Lev&c=24&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2010). An Egyptian Husband. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing, Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
Now the son of an Israelite woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the sons of Israel; and the Israelite woman's son and a man of Israel struggled with each other in the camp. The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name and cursed. So they brought him to Moses. (Now his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.) They put him in custody so that the command of the LORD might be made clear to them. Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Bring the one who has cursed outside the camp, and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then let all the congregation stone him. "You shall speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'If anyone curses his God, then he will bear his sin.
'Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him. The alien as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.
Commentary:
A mother by the name of Shelomith, who was an Israelite that had an Egyptian husband; had a son who was extremely verbal. One day in the Israelite camp, the son and an Israelite got into an altercation. The son begin to blaspheme the name of God, and curse. There were other people that were present, and witnessed the event. The son was brought to Moses, and put into custody; until the will of God was known on how to handle the actions of the son. The answer that came would be an example to those in the camp on respecting God for who He was, which is Holy. The son was then taken out of the camp, and all that witnessed his disrespectful words and attitude, stoned him to death.
Reflection:
What can be learned from this example, is that God is never to be disrespected by those in the camp, or from those that are not in the camp (Leviticus 24:16). God refused to have anyone disrepect His name, or His person. The result of such a state of disgrace was death by stoning. Just image how the mother felt when her son was stoned to death because of his words and actions; and how the father must have also felt. Regardless, of their emotional state, God would not be disrespected. The son possibly knew better; but the influence of his earthly father who was an Egyptian, may have had a stronger influence on his behavior. Possibly, he heard his father disrespect God in the house in which he was raised; and he felt as if he could do the same thing; and get away with it. Therefore, when an altercation brought out what had already been depositing in him, he was stoned to death for the condition of his heart.
God is Holy, and He should never be disrepected by those that know Him, or those who do not know him. When God is disrespected, a curse is brought upon the one in whom disrespects Him. God is our Father, and His authority should never be taken lightly, or held in contempt. When we disrespect our earthly parents, we inturn disrespect God, because He is the one that gave them authority over us, when he commanded us to obey our parents in the Lord.
Food for thought:
- How do we show our parents respect today?
- What are we allowing to be deposited with us?
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for giving me a divine respect for your name and your authority in my life; which tends to a blessed life, verses the curse of death. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Strong's Concordance Definitions: Leviticus 24:16
Blasphemed: 5344
1) to pierce, perforate, bore, appoint
a) (Qal)
1) to pierce, bore
2) to prick off, designate
b) (Niphal) to be pricked off, be designated, be specified
2) (Qal) to curse, blaspheme
of the LORD, and cursed:7043
1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light
a) (Qal)
1) to be slight, be abated (of water)
2) to be swift
3) to be trifling, be of little account
b) (Niphal)
1) to be swift, show oneself swift
2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant
3) to be lightly esteemed
c) (Piel)
1) to make despicable
2) to curse
d) (Pual) to be cursed
e) (Hiphil)
1) to make light, lighten
2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour
f) (Pilpel)
1) to shake
2) to whet
g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Law of Moses - Leviticus 24 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 18 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Lev&c=24&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2010). An Egyptian Husband. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing, Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
Wednesday
Do It In The Moment
Scripture(s): Matthew 28:1-7
Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first {day} of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. "Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you."
Commentary:
Mary Magdalene and Mary went to the tomb of Jesus expecting to find his body. However, to their surprise, an Angel of the Lord met them and guided them to the place were Jesus had lain. The Angel informed them that Jesus had risen from the dead, and for them to go and tell His disciples; and that He would meet them in Galilee. The Angel also told them that Jesus had already went ahead, and would meet them there. The two women were the first women to preach about the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, directly to His disciples. God used their voices to proclaim that He had risen from the dead; and that He indeed was alive, as He said that He would be.
The Angel told them to go quickly. Time was of the essence, because those that opposed Jesus would soon hear about His resurrection, and make up a story that the disciples had come in the night and stole His body. The soilders that were at the tomb, were paid to hold to this lie, that was created by those in authority. Those that were in high places did not want anyone to know what had really happened, so they covered up the truth, with a bogus story designed to protect their position of authority.
Reflection:
When God says for us to do something, it is for us to do it now; not wait until we feel like it, or wait until it fits into our schedule. There is a purpose for the timing of God. Everything is designed to take place on a given date, at a given time. When we fail to act on what God is giving us to do in the moment, we miss a moment that can possibly never be regained again. Why take the chance? Maybe the moment in time will resurface once again, but we should not take the timing of God lightly. Therefore, when He says for us to do something, we should do it in the moment. His timing is perfect timing. We cannot figure out the mind of God. He always knows what's best. Therefore the next time He says to do something, do it in the moment!
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
Go: 4198
1) to lead over, carry over, transfer
a) to pursue the journey on which one has entered, to continue on one's journey
b) to depart from life
c) to follow one, that is: become his adherent
1) to lead or order one's life
Quickly: 5035
1) quickly, speedily (without delay)
Tell: 3004
1) to say, to speak
a) affirm over, maintain
b) to teach
c) to exhort, advise, to command, direct
d) to point out with words, intend, mean, mean to say
e) to call by name, to call, name
f) to speak out, speak of, mention
His disciples: 3101
1) a learner, pupil, disciple
that He has risen: 1453
1) to arouse, cause to rise
a) to arouse from sleep, to awake
b) to arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to life
c) to cause to rise from a seat or bed etc.
d) to raise up, produce, cause to appear
1) to cause to appear, bring before the public
2) to raise up, stir up, against one
3) to raise up i.e. cause to be born
4) of buildings, to raise up, construct, erect
from the dead: 3498
1) properly
a) one that has breathed his last, lifeless
b) deceased, departed, one whose soul is in heaven or hell
c) destitute of life, without life, inanimate
2) metaph.
a) spiritually dead
1) destitute of a life that recognises and is devoted to God, because given up to trespasses and sins
2) inactive as respects doing right
b) destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative
He is going ahead: 4254
1) to lead forward, lead forth
a) one from a place in which he has lain hidden from view, as from a prison
b) in a forensic sense, to bring one forth to trial
2) to go before
a) preceding, prior in time, previous
b) to proceed, go forward
1) in a bad sense, to go further than is right. or proper
of you into Galilee: 1056
Galilee = "Circuit"
you will see: 3708
1) to see with the eyes
2) to see with the mind, to perceive, know
3) to see, i.e. become acquainted with by experience, to experience
4) to see, to look to
a) to take heed, beware
b) to care for, pay heed to
5) I was seen, showed myself, appeared
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 28 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 17 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=28&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2010). Do It In The Moment. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com
Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first {day} of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. "Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you."
Commentary:
Mary Magdalene and Mary went to the tomb of Jesus expecting to find his body. However, to their surprise, an Angel of the Lord met them and guided them to the place were Jesus had lain. The Angel informed them that Jesus had risen from the dead, and for them to go and tell His disciples; and that He would meet them in Galilee. The Angel also told them that Jesus had already went ahead, and would meet them there. The two women were the first women to preach about the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, directly to His disciples. God used their voices to proclaim that He had risen from the dead; and that He indeed was alive, as He said that He would be.
The Angel told them to go quickly. Time was of the essence, because those that opposed Jesus would soon hear about His resurrection, and make up a story that the disciples had come in the night and stole His body. The soilders that were at the tomb, were paid to hold to this lie, that was created by those in authority. Those that were in high places did not want anyone to know what had really happened, so they covered up the truth, with a bogus story designed to protect their position of authority.
Reflection:
When God says for us to do something, it is for us to do it now; not wait until we feel like it, or wait until it fits into our schedule. There is a purpose for the timing of God. Everything is designed to take place on a given date, at a given time. When we fail to act on what God is giving us to do in the moment, we miss a moment that can possibly never be regained again. Why take the chance? Maybe the moment in time will resurface once again, but we should not take the timing of God lightly. Therefore, when He says for us to do something, we should do it in the moment. His timing is perfect timing. We cannot figure out the mind of God. He always knows what's best. Therefore the next time He says to do something, do it in the moment!
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
Go: 4198
1) to lead over, carry over, transfer
a) to pursue the journey on which one has entered, to continue on one's journey
b) to depart from life
c) to follow one, that is: become his adherent
1) to lead or order one's life
Quickly: 5035
1) quickly, speedily (without delay)
Tell: 3004
1) to say, to speak
a) affirm over, maintain
b) to teach
c) to exhort, advise, to command, direct
d) to point out with words, intend, mean, mean to say
e) to call by name, to call, name
f) to speak out, speak of, mention
His disciples: 3101
1) a learner, pupil, disciple
that He has risen: 1453
1) to arouse, cause to rise
a) to arouse from sleep, to awake
b) to arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to life
c) to cause to rise from a seat or bed etc.
d) to raise up, produce, cause to appear
1) to cause to appear, bring before the public
2) to raise up, stir up, against one
3) to raise up i.e. cause to be born
4) of buildings, to raise up, construct, erect
from the dead: 3498
1) properly
a) one that has breathed his last, lifeless
b) deceased, departed, one whose soul is in heaven or hell
c) destitute of life, without life, inanimate
2) metaph.
a) spiritually dead
1) destitute of a life that recognises and is devoted to God, because given up to trespasses and sins
2) inactive as respects doing right
b) destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative
He is going ahead: 4254
1) to lead forward, lead forth
a) one from a place in which he has lain hidden from view, as from a prison
b) in a forensic sense, to bring one forth to trial
2) to go before
a) preceding, prior in time, previous
b) to proceed, go forward
1) in a bad sense, to go further than is right. or proper
of you into Galilee: 1056
Galilee = "Circuit"
you will see: 3708
1) to see with the eyes
2) to see with the mind, to perceive, know
3) to see, i.e. become acquainted with by experience, to experience
4) to see, to look to
a) to take heed, beware
b) to care for, pay heed to
5) I was seen, showed myself, appeared
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 28 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 17 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=28&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2010). Do It In The Moment. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com
Tuesday
God Speaks And We Are
Scripture: Leviticus 20:26
'Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine.
Commentary:
God was speaking to Moses, and instructing him on what to say to the sons of Israel regarding the way in which they should conduct themselves regarding moral issues. The purpose of the instructions where to make a distinction between those who were the children of God, and those that were not. God said because the people were His, there was a certain standard that He expected of them. They were not to be like other nations, because they had been set apart to be holy unto the Lord. Therefore, the people that God had chosen for Himself received instructions from Moses on how to be holy, as God was. If God had said be holy, but not given instructions, the people would not have known what holy was. Therefore, it was spelled out to them word-by-word, to know what the expectations of God where.
Reflection:
God has given us His word for us to read, study, and meditate upon daily. He left us step-by-step instructions on how we would be able to live a life of holiness unto Him. The life of holiness is not just some pie-in-the-sky dream that we cannot attain too. God would not have said be holy, if He had not already given us the ability to be holy as He is. God said this at a time when the Holy Spirit had not come on the earth, through the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Therefore, the ability to be holy from the beginning was spoken into our very being. God speaks and we are. Therefore, as children of God, when He spoke for us to be holy, than we are!
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
Thus you are to be holy: 6918
1) sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart
to Me, for I the LORD: 3068
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of 0136
and I have set you apart: 914
1) to divide, separate
a) (Hiphil)
1) to divide, separate, sever
2) to separate, set apart
3) to make a distinction, difference
4) to divide into parts
b) (Niphal)
1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2)
2) to withdraw from
3) to separate oneself unto
4) to be separated
5) to be excluded
6) to be set apart
from the peoples to be Mine: 5971
1) nation, people
a) people, nation
b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
2) kinsman, kindred
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Law of Moses - Leviticus 20 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 17 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Lev&c=20&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2010). God Speaks And We Are. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
'Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine.
Commentary:
God was speaking to Moses, and instructing him on what to say to the sons of Israel regarding the way in which they should conduct themselves regarding moral issues. The purpose of the instructions where to make a distinction between those who were the children of God, and those that were not. God said because the people were His, there was a certain standard that He expected of them. They were not to be like other nations, because they had been set apart to be holy unto the Lord. Therefore, the people that God had chosen for Himself received instructions from Moses on how to be holy, as God was. If God had said be holy, but not given instructions, the people would not have known what holy was. Therefore, it was spelled out to them word-by-word, to know what the expectations of God where.
Reflection:
God has given us His word for us to read, study, and meditate upon daily. He left us step-by-step instructions on how we would be able to live a life of holiness unto Him. The life of holiness is not just some pie-in-the-sky dream that we cannot attain too. God would not have said be holy, if He had not already given us the ability to be holy as He is. God said this at a time when the Holy Spirit had not come on the earth, through the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Therefore, the ability to be holy from the beginning was spoken into our very being. God speaks and we are. Therefore, as children of God, when He spoke for us to be holy, than we are!
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
Thus you are to be holy: 6918
1) sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart
to Me, for I the LORD: 3068
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of 0136
and I have set you apart: 914
1) to divide, separate
a) (Hiphil)
1) to divide, separate, sever
2) to separate, set apart
3) to make a distinction, difference
4) to divide into parts
b) (Niphal)
1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2)
2) to withdraw from
3) to separate oneself unto
4) to be separated
5) to be excluded
6) to be set apart
from the peoples to be Mine: 5971
1) nation, people
a) people, nation
b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
2) kinsman, kindred
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Law of Moses - Leviticus 20 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 17 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Lev&c=20&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2010). God Speaks And We Are. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
Monday
A Fruitful Investment
Matthew 27:39-44
And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who {are going to} destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross." In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking {Him} and saying, "He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. "HE TRUSTS IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE {Him} now, IF HE DELIGHTS IN HIM; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.' "The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words.
Commentary:
During the crucifixion, Jesus experienced the worst treatment from those that previously followed him, as well as those that condemned Him from the beginning. They mocked him, and humiliated him. They said all manner of words against Him, and who He was. The accusations that were used against Him, were used to make him give up the purpose in which He had come to earth.
Therefore, it was not an option for Him to abort His mission, no matter what others said to Him. If He would have listened to the voices of man, and stepped down from the cross, or called a legion of angels; the purpose in which He came to redeem mankind back to God would have been of no effect. Therefore, His final moments show us how much He really loved us, even unto death by crucifixion.
Reflection:
There will be times that people in our lives will not be able to see the full picture of what God is doing in our lives. They will only be able to see the outer appearance of things, and not understand the full scope of what our purpose in life is. We can try to explain it to them, as Jesus kept explaining the purpose of His life to the disciples. However, the disciples did not understand His purpose in the moment. Just like people in our lives will not always understand our purpose. They will not understand the countless hours of sacrifice, and the self-denial that it takes for us to forge foward in our purpose. They will not understand the shear commitment, and the disicipline that it takes for us to keep on the right course. But we must be encouraged to not come down from the cross, and hold to the purpose in which He has given us. Yes, sometimes it gets lonely, but the final moments of how we live our lives, will prove to be a fruitful investment for the glory of God.
Strong's Concordance Definition:
Mocking: 1702
1) to play with, trifle with
a) to mock
b) to delude, deceive
Down: 2597
1) to go down, come down, descend
a) the place from which one has come down from
b) to come down
1) as from the temple at Jerusalem, from the city of Jerusalem
2) of celestial beings coming down to earth
c) to be cast down
2) of things
a) to come (i.e. be sent) down
b) to come (i.e. fall) down
1) from the upper regions of the air
3) metaph. to (go i.e.) be cast down to the lowest state of wretchedness and shame
Believe: 4100
1) to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in
a) of the thing believed
1) to credit, have confidence
b) in a moral or religious reference
1) used in the NT of the conviction and trust to which a man is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul
2) to trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something: saving faith
3) mere acknowledgment of some fact or event: intellectual faith
2) to entrust a thing to one, i.e. his fidelity
a) to be intrusted with a thing
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 27 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 15 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=27&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2010). A Fruitful Investment. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who {are going to} destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross." In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking {Him} and saying, "He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. "HE TRUSTS IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE {Him} now, IF HE DELIGHTS IN HIM; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.' "The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words.
Commentary:
During the crucifixion, Jesus experienced the worst treatment from those that previously followed him, as well as those that condemned Him from the beginning. They mocked him, and humiliated him. They said all manner of words against Him, and who He was. The accusations that were used against Him, were used to make him give up the purpose in which He had come to earth.
Therefore, it was not an option for Him to abort His mission, no matter what others said to Him. If He would have listened to the voices of man, and stepped down from the cross, or called a legion of angels; the purpose in which He came to redeem mankind back to God would have been of no effect. Therefore, His final moments show us how much He really loved us, even unto death by crucifixion.
Reflection:
There will be times that people in our lives will not be able to see the full picture of what God is doing in our lives. They will only be able to see the outer appearance of things, and not understand the full scope of what our purpose in life is. We can try to explain it to them, as Jesus kept explaining the purpose of His life to the disciples. However, the disciples did not understand His purpose in the moment. Just like people in our lives will not always understand our purpose. They will not understand the countless hours of sacrifice, and the self-denial that it takes for us to forge foward in our purpose. They will not understand the shear commitment, and the disicipline that it takes for us to keep on the right course. But we must be encouraged to not come down from the cross, and hold to the purpose in which He has given us. Yes, sometimes it gets lonely, but the final moments of how we live our lives, will prove to be a fruitful investment for the glory of God.
Strong's Concordance Definition:
Mocking: 1702
1) to play with, trifle with
a) to mock
b) to delude, deceive
Down: 2597
1) to go down, come down, descend
a) the place from which one has come down from
b) to come down
1) as from the temple at Jerusalem, from the city of Jerusalem
2) of celestial beings coming down to earth
c) to be cast down
2) of things
a) to come (i.e. be sent) down
b) to come (i.e. fall) down
1) from the upper regions of the air
3) metaph. to (go i.e.) be cast down to the lowest state of wretchedness and shame
Believe: 4100
1) to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in
a) of the thing believed
1) to credit, have confidence
b) in a moral or religious reference
1) used in the NT of the conviction and trust to which a man is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul
2) to trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something: saving faith
3) mere acknowledgment of some fact or event: intellectual faith
2) to entrust a thing to one, i.e. his fidelity
a) to be intrusted with a thing
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 27 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 15 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=27&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2010). A Fruitful Investment. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
Saturday
Accusations of Association
Scripture: Matthew 26:-69-75
Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before [them] all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another [maid] saw him, and said unto them that were there, This [fellow] was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto [him] they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art [one] of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, [saying], I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
Commentary:
Jesus was handed over to Caiaphas the high preist in order for the scriptures to be fulfilled. The interrogation of Jesus began to make Him incriminate Himself with His own speech. However, Jesus did not fall for the tricks of man, because He knew what was in man's heart continually. As He was being interrogated the men continued to try to lock Him down to the way that they thought. Jesus was much wiser than they, and knew the only reason why He was even there, was for the scriptures to be fulfilled. Therefore, the only questions that He answered were those that were in line with His purpose. Any other questions, He completely ignored.
The words that Jesus spoke to Peter would soon come to past so quickly that Peter would weep bitterly, because he would know what Jesus had said to him was true. When Peter denied the Lord Jesus Christ three times, on the third time, he actually changed His speech to prove the lie; he was trying to persuade the crowd of, was actually true. Three servant girls had pointed Peter out as having an accent that reminded them of Jesus. But Peter, candidly refutted their accusations of association with Jesus.
Reflection:
No matter how we may try to say that we are, or we are not ,associated with someone; our speech will give us away. Those that we spend time with, will soon become a part of us; to the point that our speech will even change. Therefore, we must decide on who we spend our time with, and the purpose of the time spent. If we spend our time with individuals that do not have desires to accomplish great things in life, sooner or later, our motivation will change; as well as our speech. Let us take into consideration the people that are in our lives. Are they in our lives just because, or because of. There is a reason for every investment that is made in our lives, if it is indeed an investment of another person's life. Therefore, when we spend time with others, let us add to their life in the way of an asset, and refrain from being a liability.
Strong's Concordance Definitions: Matthew 26:73
Speech: 2981
1) speech, i.e a story
2) dialect, mode of speech, pronunciation
a) speech which discloses the speaker's native country
Betrays: 1212
1) clear, evident, manifest
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 26 - (KJV - King James Version)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 13 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=26&t=KJV
Higgins, S. (2010). Accusations of Association. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before [them] all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another [maid] saw him, and said unto them that were there, This [fellow] was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto [him] they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art [one] of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, [saying], I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
Commentary:
Jesus was handed over to Caiaphas the high preist in order for the scriptures to be fulfilled. The interrogation of Jesus began to make Him incriminate Himself with His own speech. However, Jesus did not fall for the tricks of man, because He knew what was in man's heart continually. As He was being interrogated the men continued to try to lock Him down to the way that they thought. Jesus was much wiser than they, and knew the only reason why He was even there, was for the scriptures to be fulfilled. Therefore, the only questions that He answered were those that were in line with His purpose. Any other questions, He completely ignored.
The words that Jesus spoke to Peter would soon come to past so quickly that Peter would weep bitterly, because he would know what Jesus had said to him was true. When Peter denied the Lord Jesus Christ three times, on the third time, he actually changed His speech to prove the lie; he was trying to persuade the crowd of, was actually true. Three servant girls had pointed Peter out as having an accent that reminded them of Jesus. But Peter, candidly refutted their accusations of association with Jesus.
Reflection:
No matter how we may try to say that we are, or we are not ,associated with someone; our speech will give us away. Those that we spend time with, will soon become a part of us; to the point that our speech will even change. Therefore, we must decide on who we spend our time with, and the purpose of the time spent. If we spend our time with individuals that do not have desires to accomplish great things in life, sooner or later, our motivation will change; as well as our speech. Let us take into consideration the people that are in our lives. Are they in our lives just because, or because of. There is a reason for every investment that is made in our lives, if it is indeed an investment of another person's life. Therefore, when we spend time with others, let us add to their life in the way of an asset, and refrain from being a liability.
Strong's Concordance Definitions: Matthew 26:73
Speech: 2981
1) speech, i.e a story
2) dialect, mode of speech, pronunciation
a) speech which discloses the speaker's native country
Betrays: 1212
1) clear, evident, manifest
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 26 - (KJV - King James Version)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 13 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=26&t=KJV
Higgins, S. (2010). Accusations of Association. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
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