Bible Readings for March - Exodus 20 to Leviticus 7

1^st March Exodus 20

Do you know the Ten Commandments off by heart? Every Christian should learn them, together with Jesus’ summary in Luke 10:27. It is important that we realise that 75% of the words of the Ten Commandments are taken up with the first four! We should give a similar weight to our relationship with God!

2^nd March Exodus 21

A lot of the laws in the Books of Moses are case law where cases are tried by judges on legal precedent and on the explication of basic principles (here the 10 Commandments). Case law is different from statute law, where each situation is covered by a rule. Case law often tells a tale – as here with Hebrew servants.

3^rd March Exodus 22:1 - 23:9

Compensation and restitution were the rules of ancient Israeli justice. If someone was caught stealing your DVD, he, or his extended family, had to pay you back double. Financial liability meant that extended families policed their own members. We don’t get this standard of justice today!

4^th March Exodus 23:10-33

The Sabbath principle worked too for the land – it had to lie fallow every seventh year. It is only in the last one hundred years that we have come to understand again that this is a good idea. The three great festivals are paralleled with the three great events of Jesus’ ministry:– His death and resurrection - Passover, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit - the Feast of Pentecost celebrating the beginning of the harvest, and the Marriage of the Lamb – the Feast of Tabernacles at the end of harvest.

5^th March Exodus 24

When you read verse 15, look at one of the Gospel accounts of the Transfiguration – Moses, the cloud and the top of a mountain. Moses stayed with the Lord on the mountain for 40 days at the beginning of his ministry – even as Jesus stayed in the wilderness for 40 days at the beginning of his ministry.

6^th March Exodus 25

Verse 1 gives us the Biblical principle for giving – as our hearts prompt us. A generous spirit or its lack is a good indication the condition of the hearts of the Church. Giving should never be compulsory in the support of gospel work. The Biblical principle of the tithe is still a voluntary action.

7^th March Exodus 26:1-30

When reading these passages from Exodus, it is a good idea to read chapters 9 and 10 of Hebrews for a New Testament perspective. One instructive lesson is that if God took such excessive care for this small mobile Tabernacle, how much more care will He be taking over that more glorious Tabernacle –the body of Christ, the Church.

8^th March Exodus 26:31 - 27:19

The Tabernacle was beautiful from the point of view of the needlework and associated craftsmanship put into its construction. All the basic colours were widely used – red, blue and yellow (gold), with silver and purple dashed everywhere. God is also pleased with beautiful human art!

9^th March Exodus 27:20 – 28:14

Right throughout the Old Testament, oil is a symbol for the Holy Spirit. These lamps were to be kept burning as a visible sign to Israel that the presence of God’s Spirit is the greatest blessing. We should do nothing to grieve the Spirit!

10^th March Exodus 28:15-43

The breastpiece of the High Priest was worn over the heart. Read Hebrews from chapter 4:14 to chapter 8. It is very heartening to realise that Christ carries us over His heart!

11^th March Exodus 29:1-37

Aaron and his sons were consecrated with blood and oil. Blood is for cleansing from sin and oil for the necessary work of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist’s words “He shall baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire”(Luke 3:16) contain the same twin priestly works of Christ necessary for us to come before God.

12^th March Exodus 29:38 – 30:10

The Altar of Incense stood right before the curtain that divided the Holy of Holies from the body of the Tabernacle. When the High Priest went into the Holy of Holies once every year, this altar became one with the Holy of Holies as the curtain was opened. The High Priest anointed this small altar with blood and offering incense on it, prayed for the whole people of God. See Hebrews 9 & 10.

13^th March Exodus 30:11-38

When reading verses like verse 29, think of what Jesus said to the Pharisees in Matthew 23:16-23. Holiness is not magic. God tells us unequivocally that all aspects of our worship must be holy as He is holy. It is our responsibility to ensure that we treat our worship with special care.

14^th March Exodus 31

When you read the descriptions of Bezalel and Oholiab, it should change our appreciation of all our ordinary crafts. There is a greater purpose for our gifts in needlework or woodwork than just our own enjoyment. Here they are used to help others worship God. Gifts should bless and help others.

15^th March Exodus 32

Thirty-five verses are spent on this incident. It is meant to stand out in our minds and hearts. This is a most important lesson to learn for every generation. From this passage and others like it, our forefathers taught the Regulative Principle of worship to our Church – do in worship only those things that are commanded! We should not worship God wholly according to our own ideas and inclinations!

16^th March Exodus 33:1 – 34:3

Another name for the Tabernacle is the Tent of Meeting – personal communion has always been at the centre of God’s purpose and desire for us. Meditate on the value of God’s presence to St. Stephen’s!

17^th March Exodus 34:4-35

There are many lessons in this chapter. Consider the relationship of these three great feasts – Passover, The Feast of Weeks and The Feast of Ingathering (also called Feast of Tabernacles) with the three great foci of the New Testament – Crucifixion/Resurrection, Pentecost and the Marriage Feast of the Lamb at the end of the harvest of the world.

18^th March Exodus 35

This first earthly Tabernacle is a copy of the real one in heaven – Hebrews 8:5, 9:24. Put all this together with the fact that the New Testament calls the Church the Tabernacle of the Holy Spirit, and that we are called to be builders of this spiritual Tabernacle. Should we offer anything less to this great building today anything less than the best of who we are and what we have in time, resources, encouragement and labour?

19^th March Exodus 36

Every skilled person worked on the Tabernacle. What skills are necessary to be builders in the body of Christ the Church – at St. Stephen’s? They will be common and ordinary skills!

20^th March Exodus 37

The Ark, the Table, the Lampstand and the Altar of Incense – all have great symbolical importance and can teach us much about the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very word Ark should alert us to start with Noah. Inside the Ark is safety from judgment!  The Atonement Cover exactly covered the box – atonement is only for those inside the Ark. None inside shall be missed! Jesus is the DOOR!

21^st March Exodus 38

Women gave their mirrors to make the Altar Of Burnt Offering. This was a precious gift. Mirrors were made of polished bronze. Their labour was not in vain in the Lord! Their example should encourage us in our greater building of the Church, the Tabernacle of His body.

22^nd March Exodus 39

When you read this chapter, one refrain keeps coming through: they made … as the Lord commanded Moses. As the chorus says: Trust and obey, there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey!

23^rd March Exodus 40

The Tabernacle was set up and it and its contents together with Aaron and his sons (after being washed with water) were anointed with oil. The anointing of the Spirit follows Moses’ anointing – the Glory covers the Tabernacle and fills it. The priest is the Anointed/Christ/Messiah of the Lord. The priestly work precedes that of the King. This is the pattern of Jesus’ ministry. He accomplished His priestly ministry at Calvary. When He returns, it shall be as King!

24^th March Leviticus 1

Leviticus is a book that looks at the question: how may a person be clean before God? The burnt offering was wholly consumed on the altar. Nothing was eaten. The offering had to be without defect. All of this helps us understand the meaning and purpose of Jesus’ death.

25^th March Leviticus 2

Grain offerings were often given in thanksgiving – i.e. they were offerings from your first fruits in the harvest. Only a portion was burnt on the altar. Most was given to the priests for their sustenance. Such were their memorials – transient reminders of eternal Glory.

26^th March Leviticus 3

With the Fellowship Offerings, all the separable fat together with the liver and the kidneys were burnt, and never eaten. This prohibition on blood and separable fat has health implications – they are restrictions that prevent many cardiovascular diseases and viruses and their spread.

27^th March Leviticus 4:1-26

One major point in this reading is that the sin offering was only for unintentional sin, hence David’s Psalm 51 where he asks the Lord to cleanse him. There was no sacrifice that David could give that would do so! Hebrews 10:3,4 makes the same point. Old Testament religion is about grace!

28^th March Leviticus 4:27 – 5:13

Sin is defined as acts of omission (failure to speak when you should) as well as acts of commission! The sins listed in Chapter 5 deal with what to us are slightly ridiculous things like touching the carcase of something that has died or human excrement, or giving a thoughtless promise. However, they all have to do with health – either physical or relational. We have in Australia mountainous regulations governing butcher shops for the same public health reasons.

29^th March Leviticus 5:14 – 6:7

Restitution is a major part of making things right with God and with our neighbours. In ancient Israel there were no jails as such. When caught stealing, you and your extended family had to make restitution – often up to 20% more. Policing was done by the extended family, which was held responsible for your debts. This is a clan society. Victims saw justice.

30^th March Leviticus 6:8 – 7:10

The guilt offering was food for the priests – every meal was a sacramental meal. From this chapter comes the New Testament understanding of our Communion Service. We, as a holy priesthood, eat the guilt offering of Christ – we eat and drink in remembrance of Him! Take and eat; this is my body! Matthew 26:26

31^st March Leviticus 7:11-38

The offerer and his family and friends ate the Thanksgiving or Fellowship offering. Everything left by the third day had to be thrown out. We don’t always understand why God says things, but this passage should convince us to trust Him. We know today that there are good reasons not to eat unrefrigerated cooked meat a few days past its preparation!

FEBRUARY 2012 - GENESIS 39 TO EXODUS 19

1^st February Genesis 39

Joseph is a most attractive character – he keeps his integrity in situations where most others would have given over and gone with the flow. Potiphar, as captain of the guard, had the charge of the Pharaoh’s prison. He continues to use Joseph, even as he placates his wife. David said: I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. 1 Chronicles 29:17

2^nd February Genesis 40

Potiphar assigns Pharaoh’s baker and cupbearer to Joseph’s care. While he is content to leave Joseph in prison, he is more than willing to utilise Joseph’s talents. Joseph spends the next two years in the prison. How would your faith stand up?

3^rd February Genesis 41:1-49

God’s timing is perfect. He has purposed that Joseph will not only save his family in the coming famine, he will save the entire nation of Egypt. No doubt, Joseph blessed the circumstances he once cursed, that left him in a stinking prison for years.

4^th February Genesis 41:50 to 42:38

In the seven years of plenty, Joseph has two sons with Asenath. Children are the blessing of the Lord. In these two, Joseph feels blessed as well as knows it. The brothers before their brother is a most instructive piece. Every eldest has felt like Reuben at some time I’m sure.

5^th February Genesis 43

The brothers feast with Joseph amidst plenty but with fear and trepidation. Consider why the Scripture devotes so much time to this incident!

6^th February Genesis 44

Judah has changed too, as well as Joseph. Judah willingly sacrifices himself for Joseph’s full brother Benjamin, where he once willingly sacrificed Joseph himself to slavery. Judah’s redemption is of moment in the sacred history. Your redemption is of moment too.

7^th February Genesis 45

God’s promise to Jacob: All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring, begins to be fulfilled with Joseph. Joseph saves millions from famine, including his own family. Joseph wept! Joseph is deservedly a much loved Biblical character, and one who mirrors his Master.

8^th February Genesis 46:1-47:26

God graciously appears to Jacob and confirms his going to Egypt. Joseph’s relationship with his brothers is amusing because it’s so like our sibling relationships. What do you find of blessing or encouragement in your own life from this passage?

9^th February Genesis 47:27 - 48:22

Manasseh and Ephraim are at least between 7 years of age and their early teens, when Jacob blesses them. Jacob acts as God’s prophet with his two grandsons. He makes no mistake when he blesses Ephraim, the second born with the first-born blessing. Have you ever prayed for God’s blessing for your grandchildren with them right there before you?

10^th February Genesis 49

Jacob’s blessing for his own sons contains much prophecy, as well as much character assessment. Jacob has no rosy-eyed view of his sons – see what he says about his later favourite – Benjamin. Judah’s blessing speaks most strongly of Christ.

11^th February Genesis 50

Genesis ends with two funerals – Jacob’s and Joseph’s. Joseph’s brothers’ behaviour is so typical of after-funeral family conferences. There can be much anger and resentment. We need to take Joseph as our example at such times.

12^th February Exodus 1:1 - 2:22

Much is sometimes made of the lies of the mid-wives to Pharaoh. Whatever we think of their actions, God commends these women for fearing Him and so saving lives. Moses birth and life up to 40 years of age are given briefly and succinctly.

13^th February Exodus 2:23 - 3:22

The next 40 years are also passed over in a few short verses. The refrain of the next few chapters is that God hears their cries, is concerned and acts. When God acts in salvation, He sends a saviour. The burning bush is the symbol of our Presbyterian Church.

14^th February Exodus 4

Moses does not want to be the saviour of Israel. He tries various excuses before he states categorically in verse 12: Please send someone else to do it! God does not let Moses off the hook, though He makes Aaron Moses’ spokesman. Righteousness is expected of a Saviour. Moses has deliberately neglected the covenant sign of circumcision for his own sons (this neglect is akin in seriousness to spitting on the cross today).

15^th February Exodus 5:1 - 6:12

At the start, every time Moses obeys God’s commands, everything gets worse! There is no great revival, only a long hard time of frustration, rejection by the Church, and overwhelming opposition from Pharaoh. God expects Moses to live by faith in His Word. He gives Moses a daunting commission in 6:11. If God were not God, faith would be folly!

16^th February Exodus 6:13 - 7:25

Is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? (Revelation 21:27) This question highlights the importance of genealogies in the Bible. It was very important that your name be written in the BOOK! Such books were kept in Jerusalem up to its destruction in 70AD. This is why no Jewish opponent in the First Century ever disputed Jesus’ position as Son of David. The Books were there in Jerusalem!

17^th February Exodus 8

Egypt rejects the government of God. God withdraws His government (in nature) over Egypt and the ten plagues fall upon Egypt. In the Biblical perspective, natural disasters come as a consequence and corollary of Adam’s rejection of God’s government over his life, of Adam’s original sin.

18^th February Exodus 9

The first five plagues fall upon Israel too. They have to share the boils, livestock dying, the flies, gnats and frogs, the water turning into blood. We too have to share in the disasters that fall upon our people, even as Jesus shared. Faith is no lucky charm, but a trust in the person and character of the Lord.

19^th February Exodus 10

The great paradox in Exodus is where it says Pharaoh hardened his heart (9:34), and I the Lord have hardened Pharaoh’s heart. (10:1) God is totally sovereign in all things. We are totally responsible for our actions/lives. In the dimensions of eternity, both statements are equally true, though mutually exclusive in the dimensions of our existence.

20^th February Exodus 11:1 - 12:20

The first-born are the heirs in their families. Egypt’s heirs all die, except amongst those who joined Israel and sprinkled the blood over their doorposts - the mixed multitude of Exodus 12:38 who went up out of Egypt with Israel. Rebellion against God has no long-term future!

21^st February Exodus 12:21-51

The exodus is one of the central events of Scripture. When Moses and Elijah come and talk with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration about His death, they literally call it an exodus (translated departure in the NIV)! (Luke 9:30) The exodus is salvation by grace through faith!

22^nd February Exodus 13:1 - 14:4

The consecration of the first-born mirrors the plague of the first-born of Egypt. The future of Israel is with God. The heirs were to be God’s sons, men of faith and courage and righteousness. They were redeemed with a lamb! The connection with Jesus is obvious – 1 Peter 1:19 and Revelation 7:14.

23^rd February Exodus 14:5-31

The Red Sea is the finale of God’s great acts of salvation for Israel. This salvation was by His grace. Israel followed Moses and were led out into the desert and trapped  - by the Sea, the desert and Pharaoh’s army. God Himself provided the means of salvation.

24^th February Exodus 15

This is one of the great songs of the Bible. It is the song of heaven together with the Song of the Lamb in Revelation 15:3. What do you find uplifting in this song?

25^th February Exodus 16

Grumbles and complaints were the stand-out characteristics of God’s people. They still are. When we look at ourselves so honestly, it humbles us. Our salvation too is only by grace through faith in God’s Word – Jesus.

26^th February Exodus 17

Water from the Rock is another of the great themes and metaphors of the Bible. Salvation comes from unexpected places. People did not expect the Water of Life either to be found in Jesus of Nazareth. He is the Rock on which we stand. Sing or say out loud one of the great hymns that uses the Water from the Rock theme.

27^th February Exodus 18

Moses can take advice from his father-in-law. This is a characteristic of good leadership – a teachable spirit. (2 Timothy 2:2) This chapter is one of the foundational chapters for understanding the eldership – their role and function within the people of God.

28^th February Exodus 19

The history of exodus is important in understanding the theology being taught through that history. God saves Israel by His grace through their faith in Moses - justification. The Red Sea comes before Mount Sinai. The Law, and especially the Ten Commandments, were given after Israel had been saved, not before. They have to do with how we should live as God’s people, with sanctification. The Ten Commandments were never intended as a means of justification or salvation! Pharisees always get it wrong.

BIBLE READINGS FOR JANUARY

1^st January Genesis 1:1 to 2:3

John begins the opening words of his Gospel with the opening words of Genesis. We live in a universe that testifies to the creative intelligence behind it, to the joy of God in His creation. This is the starting point and foundation of the Gospel.

 2^nd January Genesis 2:4-25

Adam worked in paradise. His work was not cursed with futility. That came later. These two chapters also reveal that we are made in God’s image – two persons (male & female) and one humanity/flesh. In what other ways are we made in His image?

3^rd January Genesis 3

The desire to be like God is a fount of sin and of much evil. The Bible teaches that we are creatures – created ones. The desire to be something else – grander, higher, less inhibited by our finitude, is the old temptation that lies behind some of our most cherished beliefs – as exampled by re-incarnation and evolution. When you come to Christ you accept that your final future is as a creature – a created one. Resurrection of the human body is that future.

4^th January Genesis 4, 5

Envy, jealousy, murder – and these are in the Church. Notice that Cain is not an disbeliever. He is like Satan in that he rejects the Lord and the Lord’s authority over his life and actions.

5^th January Genesis 6:1 to 7:10

Noah is a man of faith – he is not perfect, nor is he without sin (as we see later). Noah, like Abraham and Moses, exhibits the faith of Jesus – he listens to the Lord and does all that He commanded.

6^th January Genesis 7:11 to 8:19

The flood is one of the most persistent stories over the face of the earth. The ancient Chinese script has an ideogram for a boat made up of three characters – a vessel, eight, mouth. A boat is a vessel holding 8 people. Belief in Noah’s flood is not about religion versus science. The ancient deluge is rejected because it upholds belief in a Creator. The earth gives witness to several great catastrophes in our past.

7^th January Genesis 8:20 to 9:29

The rainbow is the eternal sign of God’s covenant with Noah. Every time you see one it is a testimony to that covenant. This chapter contains the sad story of Noah going on an alcoholic bender. Noah, like Paul and Peter, is a sinner saved by grace just like you and me.

8^th January Genesis 10:1 to 11:26

Language unites and divides humanity. The Day of Pentecost in Acts is parallel to this chapter of the Tower of Babel. Judgment and scattering is paralleled with salvation and gathering. In one the Spirit is withdrawn. In the other, the Spirit is poured out.

9^th January Genesis 11:27 to 12:20

The call to Abraham has a powerful attraction. It is the promise to a childless man of children. This is a rich and ever deepening stream of promise that leads from here to the New Jerusalem where a great multitude that no one can count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, stands before the throne of God and in front of the Lamb.

10^th January Genesis 13, 14

We look for lessons of faith in the history of Abraham. We are to imitate his faith.  See how Abraham handles his nephew’s greed, arrogance and lack of courtesy – with patience, courage and the risk of his life.

11^th January Genesis 15, 16

The words of 15:1 are well worth meditating on. With Abraham, we are given the example of his faith. We are also given the example of his stupidity. Sarah connives what she later blames Abram for.

12^th January Genesis 17

The covenant sign is given years after God’s covenant. We are never to confuse the covenant sign with the reality of the covenant relationship between God and us. The sign follows the reality of the relationship, so too with the New Covenant sign of baptism.

13^th January Genesis 18

When you have a JW come to your door, this is one passage to get them to turn to in their own Bible. Here is a man who is the LORD! Abraham’s prayer is to be our example in praying for our country and loved ones.

14^th January Genesis 19

Lot’s life spirals downward, no matter how many chances he is given. Lot cannot trust the Word of the Lord, as Abraham does. Lot is governed by his fears, not by his faith. He is an example of the stupidity of being governed by our fears. As Jesus said, the way of the Faith is pressed upon and confining (small and narrow), but it leads to LIFE! Matthew 7:13,14

15^th January Genesis 20, 21

Whenever Abraham gives in to his fears, his life too, like Lot’s, spirals downwards. The Lord chastises Abraham as well as Abimelech. Verse 21:1 tells us that grace is the motivating force behind the promise of God and its fulfilment.

16^th January Genesis 22

Abraham’s greatest test was in the offering up of his son, yet believing that God would do all He had promised through this son – give Abraham many descendants through Isaac (17:19). God, who is beyond Time, does not ask anything of us that He is not willing to do Himself. Jesus, unlike Isaac, comes wittingly and willingly to His greater sacrifice.

17^th January Genesis 23

Death is something we must all face. What example do you see in this chapter from the way Abraham handles the death of his beloved Sarah? The only plot of ground that Abraham owns in the Promised Land, is the family grave. Be encouraged by this parallel with our own situation in this present earth.

18^th January Genesis 24

Abraham feels that his own death is coming closer, and Isaac has no wife or child. Isaac is 40. Abraham selects his son’s wife from his own extended family – he wants a wife of the faith for his son. He trusts that God will guide his chief servant. This is a beautiful and gripping story. Its length will not stop you from reading to the end.

19^th January Genesis 25

There are many interesting snippets within this potted family history of Isaac and Ishmael. Isaac and Rebekah have to wait for 20 years before she conceives. The problems and the joys of life are exposed to us within this family for our spiritual growth and for our own wrestlings in life.

20^th January Genesis 26

Abimelech just means my father the king. It is a title of respect, not a personal name. This is a different man to Abraham’s Abimelech. Water rights are a modern concern too. Beersheba is where the Australian Light Horse made their famous charge in World War One.

21^st January Genesis 27

This is a sorry Days of Our Lives story, a warts and all picture of a family of faith. What do you find that encourages you within your family to persevere in prayer and worship?

22^nd January Genesis 28

You and I can’t reach into our children’s hearts and move that pointer around to the right direction. Our prayers for our children and grandchildren should take their cue from how God deals with Jacob personally. Prayer is to be the first resort.

23^rd January Genesis 29

The convolutions of this family with their scheming and manoeuvring makes for interesting reading. Leah and Rachael go from being close sisters to rivals overnight. Leah is the ancestress of David and Jesus. This fact is one of God’s little ironies of life. From beloved Rachael comes Joseph, one of the best loved characters in the Bible.

24^th January Genesis 30

Jacob ends up with four wives and eleven sons. After twenty years, he is still working for his father-in-law though prospering greatly – unlike Moses who remained a shepherd. Jacob is still a smooth operator. Isn’t it amazing that God chooses to use this character? Amazing grace!

25^th January Genesis 31

This flight and pursuit story is exciting. Rachael is a little thief with secrets from both her father and husband. She has only months to live, but no-one knows this. In an unruly situation where anything could have happened, God made sure that Laban treated Jacob carefully.

26^th January Genesis 32:1 to 33:16

Jacob next has to face the brother he so wronged twice, the brother that swore to kill him when next they met. Jacob wrestles with God and Esau. With the angel, he uses the angel’s strength to persevere and not give in – his hip is out. There is a good message for us here to persevere in prayer. With Esau, he divides up his company and sends out many gifts of the flock first. Bluff Esau forgives his little lame brother. Jacob’s lameness is a severe mercy from the Lord.

27^th January Genesis 33:17 to 34:31

What happens in today’s reading is the sorriest of stories. It is sordid, violent and bloody. There is dissension within the family over Dinah’s rape. Jacob is all for smoothing things over. Levi and Simeon find their father weak. We are permitted to see what they do in order that we might learn!

28^th January Genesis 35

Jacob shows Abraham’s faith – God speaks and Jacob listens to the Word and does it. God gives Jacob the Covenant Promise to Abraham – and beloved Rachael dies in childbirth. This is a family that God loves. We are to see that the wider effects of sin within the world are so undiscriminating and life-engulfing that God had to act – Jesus had to come.

29^th January Genesis 36

Esau chose wealth and fame and got it. He sold himself short on everything that is truly worthwhile – the things that last for eternity. Esau and his history should make us re-consider what we are spending our lives for!

30^th January Genesis 37

Jacob’s family begins to fracture with the death of Rachael and the rejection by Jacob of Levi, Simeon and Reuben in the position of his main heir. He pours out his grief in the very public favouritism he shows Joseph. The best of us grow weary and act unwisely or irresponsibly. Hatred stirs most in Judah’s heart – of whom great things are said later. We all need the work of the grace of God in every today.

31^st January Genesis 38

Consider Judah’s words about Tamar: she is more righteous than I, before judging her actions too harshly. (38:26) Tamar had the responsibility of producing the heir. Judah took that away from her unrighteously. He condemned her to a future of poverty and charity within the camp – she who was chosen to bear the heir! How did Joseph treat Mary – she who was chosen to bear the Heir?

December Bible Readings - 1 John 2-Revelation 22

1^st December 1 John 2:1-17

Notice that obedience to Jesus and to His word or command is inescapable for the Christian. This is how God’s love is made complete in us. When you apply God’s Word to your life, be practical. Ask yourself how, when and who!

2^nd December 1 John 2:18-29

Talk over with someone else what it means today to deny that Jesus is the Christ. Can you give examples from our society in Australia today? In John’s day these were people who were inside the perimeter of the Church.

3^rd December 1 John 3

We are called to two things – to discontinue in sin and to love our brother Christian. 1 Corinthians 13, Zechariah 7:9,10 and 8:16,17, Leviticus 19:18 and much else of the case law in Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy will tell you what loving your brother means in practice.

4^th December 1 John 4

What verse in today’s reading do you think would be a good one to memorise. This is another famous chapter on love.

5^th December 1 John 5

John summarises everything he has said in the first four chapters in this last chapter. Meditate on verses 11 and 12. What idols do you have to keep yourself from?

6^th December 2 John

The chosen lady is a church. John had to be careful when writing to a persecuted church. John reiterates themes from his gospel. What verse touches on some situation in your life?

7^th December 3 John

Gaius is presumably Paul’s friend at Corinth whose hospitality is noted – see Romans 16:23, 1 Corinthians 1:14. I have always found his advice imitate what is good challenging. Find something that challenges you!

8^th December Revelation 1

This rich picture of Jesus is drawn from Genesis 3:24, Joshua 5:13-15, Ezekiel 1:7,27, Daniel 7:9,13, 8:17, Ezekiel 43:2, all through Ezekiel! This picture links Him to the whole of the Old Testament story of God’s dealings with mankind, from the Fall to Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land under Joshua, to the promise of the Messiah in Daniel’s revelation and in the prophets.

9^th December Revelation 2:1-17

We can find facets of our own congregation’s life in each of the seven churches. Do any of these descriptions apply to your congregation? What is your responsibility to Christ, to your congregation with what you see?

10^th December Revelation 2:18-3:6

Each of the seven churches is in what is now modern Turkey. Back then, Turkey was a polyglot mix of almost every nationality under the sun. Idolatry is called sexual immorality in the prophets – the image is that we the church are God’s wife! The idolatry of Thyatira was a mixture of current ideas with traditional Christian belief.

11^th December Revelation 3:7-22

The church at Philadelphia is the one church of the seven that did not receive a rebuke from Christ. What can you learn from what Jesus said to these Christians?

12^th December Revelation 4

The imagery of this chapter comes from the Exodus, Ezekiel’s visions, Noah, the 12 Patriarchs of Israel and the 12 Apostles. What have you found worthy about God this past week or month?

13^th December Revelation 5

The scroll is a will or testament. In ancient Rome, seven seals attested a will. Seven people put their seals on the will signed in their collective presence. It was hoped that at least one of the seven would be alive when the will was opened to attest its contents. In Revelation, There is no one who is able to open God’s testament to men and unlock the inheritance for us – except the Lamb!

14^th December Revelation 6

In John’s revelation Jesus opens the six of the seven seals. Jesus is the rider on the white horse. Then follow War, Famine, Death, Witnesses and Judgment (as in Egypt). What God is doing through Jesus within history is signed and sealed!

15^th December Revelation 7

John symbolises the whole of the Church (i.e. the true Israel of God) with the number 144,000 – 12 times 12,000. Israel is referred to as the thousands of Israel! (Numbers 10:36 Moses said, "Return, O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel”.) The reference to a seal on their foreheads is reference to their baptism. All of God’s people will be saved. He will not miss out one of His own!

16^th December Revelation 8

The seventh seal is silence. God waits for something – the prayers of the saints. Prayer is the signal for the trumpets – as on the Day of Atonement or the Feast of Tabernacles. The trumpets unleash God’s salvation – which is also His judgment, as in Egypt of the Exodus!

17^th December Revelation 9

I remember when I read one book that claimed that the locusts mentioned were helicopter gun-ships – viz a viz their guns in the back. This is all science fiction and should be treated as such. The third is mentioned, because this was the share of those who did not inherit! The rule of inheritance in Israel was that the heir got two mouths or bites at the cherry, everyone else divided up the final mouth. Jesus will get two mouths!

18^th December Revelation 10

The Angel is described like Christ, while being quite different. The Angel’s face symbolises God’s holiness; the rainbow symbolises God’s mercy and covenant faithfulness; and the cloud, God’s presence, both protecting and judging God’s people.

19^th December Revelation 11

The two witnesses are the Law and the Prophets, or Moses and Elijah. They are linked to the two olive trees (Zechariah 4) the Lord’s Anointed (or Christs) the King and the Priest. Remember what Jesus said in John 8:14-18.

20^th December Revelation 12

All this imagery comes from the Old Testament. Remember Joseph’s dream? Psalm 2 as quoted refers to Christ. Though Satan tries to destroy the Church, she is saved in God’s providence by fleeing to the wilderness. 1260 days are 40 months, recalling the 40 years in the wilderness.

21^st December Revelation 13

The Beast is identified with the secular world powers that are inimical to Christ and His Gospel – hence horns, crowns, leopards, thrones, authority over tribes, peoples, ethnic groups. Verses 8-10 contain the key – the Redeemer’s coming is this world’s death stroke. What is required of us?

22^nd December Revelation 14

We believers are espoused to one husband – Jesus Christ. See 2 Corinthians 11:2. This chapter is a wonderful picture of what Jesus has done for you – we are cleansed and preserved by Christ and His Spirit.

23^rd December Revelation 15

John sees the Temple Above in Jerusalem Above. This is the Temple where Jesus offered up Himself as a sacrifice for our sins – Hebrews 9:11-14. You and I can serve the Living God, because Christ cleansed us from our sins.

24^th December Revelation 16

Judgment leads to the freedom of God’s people. The imagery of this chapter is meant to remind us of the history of the Exodus of Israel from Egypt. Seven is the number for completion or wholeness. God’s salvation of Israel was complete. So too shall be His salvation of the people of Christ! Hallelujah!

25^th December Revelation 17

Look at Proverbs chapters 5 to 9 and the warning about stupidity – the way of spiritual adultery. The adulteress is one major source for this chapter. So too is Zechariah 5:5-11. Babylon pictures all the allure of worldly thinking. The constant refrain of Revelation is the call for perseverance and faithfulness on our part.

26^th December Revelation 18

The image of Babylon is the same as what Jesus meant by Mammon. Nahum 3, Habakkuk 2 and Zephaniah 3 are all passages with the same message. Where have I placed my love? Is my profession the same as my practice?

 27^th December Revelation 19:1-10

Heaven will be a wonderful place! Verse 10 is a key verse to understand what the Bible means by prophecy. A lot of modern Christian commentators place the spirit or focus of prophecy of the Old Testament in the Jews. John places it in the testimony of Jesus.

28^th December Revelation 19:11-20:6

What impresses you about Jesus in this tremendous passage? Once again Psalm 2 is part of the background. Psalms 1and 2 portray the Law and the Prophets – the 2 witnesses to Christ.

29^th December Revelation 20:7-21:8

The Great White Throne – you need never be afraid that God will make mistakes. His throne is WHITE! Meditate on 21:1-8. Find one thing that brings comfort to you?

30^th December Revelation 21:9-22:5

Shameful, deceitful and impure are adjectives of hell, not heaven. I have a responsibility to turn away from such today. When Christ returns, the Garden of Eden will become the Garden in the midst of the Holy City!

31^st December 2004 Revelation 22:6-21

Jesus is coming! This thought is repeated throughout these closing verses. May those people we pray for all come to say: Amen. Come Lord Jesus!

NOVEMBER 2011 - John 5 to 1John 1

1^st November John 5:1-23

Verse 18: The Pharisees and the Sadducees were in no doubt that Jesus taught that God was His Father in a special way. The doctrine of the Trinity flows from the lips of Jesus Himself. What lesson is there in this healing?

2^nd November John 5:24-47

This passage contains one of Jesus’ grand promises – verse 24. Jesus taught resurrection. He also taught that He had the power to give the gift of life to whomever He wants. Ask Him in confidence!

3^rd November John 6:1-21

These two incidents flow into one another. Think through what they teach about Jesus. What stands out to you of His character and attitudes?

4^th November John 6:22-40

What is the food that endures to eternal life? (v.27) Jesus declares that He too is as meek as Moses – He has come to do God’s will. Jesus concludes his discourse with a reference to the last day.

5^th November John 6:41-7:1

Grumbling seems to characterise God’s people in every age. It was a problem in Moses’ day too. What marvellous truths does Jesus disclose about Himself, about faith. Why did people find these hard?

6^th November John 7:2-30

Jesus’ challenge (v.24) to the Pharisees is also for you and me – make a right judgment! Don’t go by appearances. We must be careful how we use the Scripture. The Pharisees used Scripture to oppose and ridicule Jesus!

7^th November John 7:31-8:11

The Feast of Tabernacles is where most commentators place Jesus’ discourse on Living Water. This was the feast after the harvest was over. It aligns with the Marriage Feast of the Lamb (or the Last Day), as the Crucifixion aligns with Passover.

8^th November John 8:12-30

The Pharisees were quite sure that Jesus taught that He was God. This is no mere addition by later generations of Christians as some have tried to make out. This is the whole point of whether Jesus’ testimony about Himself is valid. Who should you pray for to accept the validity of Jesus’ testimony about Himself?

9^th November John 8:31-59

What a tremendous claim Jesus makes in verse 42 (and verse 47). Love for Jesus is a very simple test to see if someone is truly godly. Love is SEEN – in patience, fairness, courage, and being long-suffering, as in 1 Corinthians 13!

10^th November John 9:1-17

A miracle does not require the recipient to know who is performing the miracle or even to have faith. Jesus just heals this man of a lifetime of blindness – this would include reprogramming the brain to understand the messages the eyes send to the brain! This should fill us with awe!

11^th November John 9:18-38

The man born blind saw more clearly than the whole academic weight of the Jewish world in the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem. Courage and clarity mark this man. All he needs to become His disciple is to meet Jesus. Is there someone you know who needs to see Jesus with such clarity?

12^th November John 9:39-10:18

This most wonderful passage on the Good Shepherd should be read in conjunction with Psalm 23. Jesus is no hireling. What do you find challenging, heartening or comforting in Jesus’ words about Himself?

13^th November John 10:19-42

The Jews treated Jesus as if He were an Achan to stone, and not His namesake Joshua. Read Joshua 7. How do you treat Him? Notice that the claim of the divinity of Jesus is no second century addition by the Christian Church. The first century Jews understood that Jesus was claiming to be God!

14^th November John 11:1-27

The celebrated weaknesses and strengths of Martha and Mary are reversed in this incident to that of Luke 10:38-42. It is to Martha that Jesus says the wonderful words of John 11:25,26. Resurrection is our future in Christ, not re-incarnation, or nothingness, or angelhood.

15^th November John 11:28-44

On first sight verse 40 might seem a paradox - those who did not believe saw the glory of God. Yet this misses the point that Martha and Mary believed that Jesus was the Christ. Those who did not believe saw the resurrection of Lazarus and yet did not see any glory, but a trick – see tomorrow’s reading. You might find things Jesus says hard to believe, but do you believe that He is the Christ the Son of God? That is the important question.

16^th November John 11:45-12:19

Unbelief is a hard shell of sin that twists what is good – the desire to honour God, into something wicked and repugnant – the willingness to murder. Deliberate unbelief finds it opposite in Mary and the extravagance of her love. Be challenged by Mary’s extravagance in your love!

17^th November John 12:20-50

Jesus entered Earthly Jerusalem on that Sunday proclaimed as Israel’s King and returned from Heavenly Jerusalem on the next Sunday as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Who needs to heed the voice from heaven in your circle? Continue in prayer!

18^th November John 13:1-30

See Peter’s reaction to Jesus’ washing their feet and to Jesus’ words in verse 7! Judas calmly lets Jesus wash his feet – without a murmur or a protest! Judas was ‘not clean’, but obviously this did register! Have you ever felt ‘dirty’, felt the need to be clean? Peter did!

19^th November John 13:31-14:14

There are so many wonderful words in these passages in John’s Gospel that it is hard to pick just one. Verse 13:34 is worthy of much meditation in the light of what the rest of the Scriptures say about love.

20^th November John 14:15-31

To love Christ is to obey Him! (verse 15) Obedience is placed in closest conjunction with the gift of the Counsellor the Holy Spirit. Obedience to the Word of Christ is one sure test of whether someone has the fulness of the Spirit. Without such obedience all the claims and signs are empty shells.

21^st November John 15:1-16

Israel is referred to as God’s vine in the Old Testament – eg Psalm 80:8-16, Jeremiah 2:21 and Ezekiel 17. Jesus is the true Israel of God. Israel the nation came from Israel the man. Just so, we come from this man the True Vine. This is a passage rich in teaching! Find something for your soul today!

22^nd November John 15:17-16:15

The treatment of the world is cruel. Hate is the world’s reaction to Christ! Christ’s counter to the hate of the world is the gift of the Comforter. He is come to convict the world and to guide believers into all truth.

23^rd November John 16:16-33

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the birth of joy into your life and world. Christ gives us confidence in prayer and to prayer, based on His resurrection and on the Father’s love for you and me. How has Jesus overcome the world?

24^th November John 17

This is the great high priestly prayer of Jesus. He prays for Himself, for His disciples and for all throughout all ages who believe in Jesus through their message. Find two things that stand out in today’s reading that encourage you and strengthen you faith.

25^th November John 18:1-27

John highlights the fact that Jesus was brought to Annas first. Annas could not find one charge to bring against the Christ. This is important! The priest finds no blemish in the sacrifice! This is important testimony to who Jesus is and shows what He has come to do.

26^th November John 18:28-19:16

John bypasses the trial before Caiaphas and concentrates on the trial before Pilate. It is good to read this passage on the passion out aloud.

27^th November John 19:17-42

Joseph of Arithamea and Nicodemus gave Jesus a costly burial, suitable for royalty. It is their declaration that Jesus is their King, their Messiah. They are drawn to Him in His death and confess their allegiance openly.

28^th November John 20

The Resurrection is the great pivot of faith. Everything depends on this being true, on this happening within time and space. John lets you see what stopped him in his tracks when he stooped in and saw, not an empty tomb or a mess of hardened myrrh-gummed linen scraps torn off the body, but the linen strips unglued and folded up by themselves. Resurrection!

29^th November John 21

Peter needed a public reinstatement because of his public denial of Christ. Jesus asks His question of Peter three times to answer for Peter’s three denials. Jesus’ question is well worth putting to yourself!

30^th November 1 John 1

John begins his letter in a manner similar to the beginning of his Gospel. It is easy to pretend to others and yourself that you don’t sin, that you are a good person. Why is it important to confess our sins to God and not pretend to Him or to ourselves?

Sermon Notes on Hebrews 12-13 for Sunday October 9th 2011

Tuesday 11^th October Hebrews 12:18-13:6 Mount Sinai is the mountain that God’s people were not to touch. Mount Zion Above is the mountain that you should touch. It is only with Christ and His Gospel that all peoples will find God, will find their true home. Verses 12:28,29 are worthy of your deep thought.

Hebrews 12:18-13:6

Deuteronomy 4:20-31

Grow In Reverence And Awe Towards This God

The wars of religion – 20^th century wars of atheism. This time great fear – wars of Islam. So no-religion and religion cause wars. Where do we find the answer? In right religion, not wrong. Both atheism and Islam get God wrong – according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We look at the end product of religion to gauge its merit. What has been the product of Presbyterianism? – the Westminster parliamentary system of government, the world and life view that made modern science possible, the belief that ordinary people, not experts, should choose those who govern them in church and state, the belief that all authority should be limited, etc.

Consider the verse Hebrews 12:14 Make every effort to live at peace with all men and to be holy!

Does such teaching promote war or peace?

Get God right and grow in that knowledge – the fruit of this is your peace and happiness.

The Mountain That Can Be Touched

• The mountain that could be touched – Mount Sinai! But death to those - animal or human - who touched it. Judgment for touching.
• We have come to Jerusalem Above – the dwelling place of God and man - the place we touch by faith. We have come to the church of the first-born. We are all heirs – male and female! What liberating information!
• We have come to God and to Jesus Christ, our Rock, our mountain. He can be touched, be approached at any time by any believer – not just priests or the especially holy, or devout.
• We have come to the sprinkled blood of Jesus Christ – it speaks the word of redemption. Abel’s blood spoke the word of judgment on Cain. Jesus’ blood speaks to you and me the word of peace with God, or restoration, cleansing, renewal.

 

The Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken

·        The future for this earth – to be shaken – to be removed! PCA can disappear! Australia might not be a nation in another century. We have no guarantee. All powers here are only for a time – they will disappear. Even our lives end with death. We too are only for a time. Good times don’t last!

·        The kingdom that cannot be shaken – the coming kingdom of Jesus Christ! The place Jesus has gone to prepare. You have a future beyond death that can never be taken away.

• The new creation! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

The Helper Whose Exhortations I Must Listen To

The LORD is your Helper – you and I must listen to Him! Live confidently with Him! “The design of Christ in giving Himself for us, is, that He might redeem for Himself a special people eager to do what is good.” MH Titus 2:14

·        Keep on loving as brothers – live with each other as brethren – so others will say with esteem: “Behold how they love one another”.

·        Be sure to entertain strangers! Hospitality to strangers – different from friends who will reciprocate. God has a special blessing for such hospitality. Look around the congregation – many are strangers to you!

·        Remember those in prison for their faith. While we may be at liberty, many brethren face adversity, imprisonment and even death. Remember those such as young Pastor Joucef Nardakhani under sentence of death for converting from Islam to Christ in Iran.

·        Honour marriage – keep faithful to each other. Honour whether married or single!

·        Keep free from the love of money. Money is a resource to be used, not an idol to be worshipped. Fight covetousness!

·        Be content with what you have. Rejoice in His provision and delight in His gifts.