For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them"....Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

Leviticus 26-27

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them"....Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:10, 13-14

This evening, I completed my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - wrapping up the last chapter twenty-three (the final chapter) - Either-Or - covering Leviticus 26-27, looking specifically at the fourth and final theme for the chapter - God Invites Us to Return to Him.  Here, the commentary focuses on Leviticus 26:40-45 where, despite Israel's repeated sin and God's punishment where He sent most of Israel into exile into the hands of their enemies, God STILL demonstrates grace for Israel.  If Israel confesses its sin (v40), and if their "uncircumcised heart is humbled and they make amends for their iniquity," (v41) "[God] will remember [His] covenant with Jacob, and...will remember [His] covenant with Isaac and [His] covenant with Abraham" (v42).  God does not say that Israel will avoid punishment (v43), but He says that even in spite of this punishment grace awaits those who return to to Him (v44-45). 

Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not spurn them, neither will I abhor them so as to destroy them utterly and break my covenant with them, for I am the Lord their God. But I will for their sake remember the covenant with their forefathers, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God: I am the Lord. Leviticus 26:44-45

The commentary writes about God's grace based on the covenant He made with Israel and how Jesus perfectly expresses God's grace.  We are referred to Galatians 3:10, 13-14 where Paul writes about how everyone who sins (everyone does sin - see Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8) deserves death and Jesus took on death on the cross redeeming us from the punishment we deserve - amazing grace indeed!

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has amazing grace for me - thank You Jesus but I am completely undeserving of course!  I sin daily...conforming to the patterns of this world, worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

Leviticus 26-27

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:10

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-three (the final chapter) - Either-Or - covering Leviticus 26-27, looking specifically at the third theme for the chapter - God Judges Our Unfaithfulness.  Here, the commentary breaks down v13-39, where we see the details of God's judgement awaiting those who fail to heed God's commands as described in Leviticus.  God's judgement and punishment is described in the commentary as a "cycle of judgement five times....He was stating that He would give His people opportunity after opportunity to turn from their sin, but if they continued to be unfaithful, more judgement would come." The commentary points out that Nehemiah 9 writes about God's warnings from Leviticus 26 coming to pass, including God's cycle of judgement that repeated itself five times. Of course, believers familiar with the Old Testament understand that exile awaited those Israelites whose disobedience persisted. The commentary wraps by encouraging all believers to avoid disobedience to God - draw near to Him and stay near to Him. God brings about obedience through a daily, personal relationship with Him. We are referred to 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10-12, and 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and compassion.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.

Leviticus 26-27

I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people. Leviticus 26:11-12

 

This evening, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-three (the final chapter) - Either-Or - covering Leviticus 26-27, looking specifically at the second theme for the chapter - God Blesses Our Faithfulness.  Here, the commentary for today focuses on v3-13 which describes how God blesses our obedience to Him in response to His commands, all of His commands, including the commands He gave in v1-2 (see also post yesterday) where we are to worship Him and not other gods and how we are observe Sabbath.  Leviticus 26:3-13 describes blessings that, according the commentary, can be categorized as prosperity, protection, and His presence - of course all wonderful and amazing blessings. Yet, lest believers fall into the trap of believing that God promises us (in return for faithfulness) health, wealth, and other earthly blessings, the commentary (and John MacArthur and John Piper) warns us to not read into Leviticus 26 to find the keys to health, wealth, etc. While God does promise blessings for obedience in v3-13, the commentary instead makes the following points, emphasizing that "we should apply such promises in a way that is consistent with God's entire revelation in the Bible": 

1. "God made these promises not to individuals, but the Israel as a whole"
2. "God does bless our faithfulness, just not in the way the prosperity preachers claim.  In some places in the world, faithfulness to Jesus results in persecution, not prosperity.  When some Muslim people leave Islam to follow Jesus, their families disown them and sometimes physically assault or kill them.  Does God take care of them? He takes care of them for eternity! He blesses our faithfulness forever in heaven." See also John 16:33
   
3. "God blesses our faithfulness in many ways, best of all with Himself." See also John 1:14  
   

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are amazing and I know You bless me in ways that the world does not understand and in ways that I will fully appreciate when I meet You face to face in Heaven - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  My sin - of many kinds - continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God. You shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord.

Leviticus 26-27

You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God. You shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord. Leviticus 26:1-2

 

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - starting chapter twenty-three (the final chapter) - Either-Or - covering Leviticus 26-27, looking specifically at the introduction and first theme for the chapter - God Calls Us to Right Worship. Here, the commentary's introduction for the chapter describes a black and white set of commands God gives us to live in obedience or disobedience to Him.  The commentary theme for today then starts with Leviticus 26:1-2 where it commands us to not worship idols or other gods above the one true God (see also Exodus 20) and to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest and to experience corporate worship with other believers at church. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who blesses me...daily.  Your mercies are new every morning - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me Jesus!  I sin every day, including worry, harsh words, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.

Leviticus 25

By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. Hebrews 11:9-10

 

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - wrapping up chapter twenty-two - A Theology of Things  - covering Leviticus 25:1-55, looking specifically at the sixth and final theme for the chapter - God Will One Day Give Us Eternal Possessions.  Here, the commentary starts by describing how Israel never was obedient to God's commands for the Sabbath rest of the land. It points to 2 Chronicles 36:20-21 where Israel is taken into exile where during the exile God forces the Sabbath rest. The commentary then points to how our sin is no different than Israel's - we all sin and focus on earthly concerns, our material possessions, etc. We are then encouraged to store up treasures in heaven vs here on earth (Matthew 6:19-21).  As the theme for today aptly describes, Heaven is so much more glorious then our life in our earthly bodies. We are provided the following verses:

• Revelation 21:4: No more tears in Heaven
  
• John 14:2-3: God is preparing a place for us in Heaven
  
• Hebrews 11:9-10: We look forward to the "city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God 
  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an amazing God and I know You are saving a place for me in Heaven - thank You Jesus for creating such a place and for sealing me for eternity.  I am not deserving of such a God nor deserving of such a place.  My sin is great and it is daily - worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love Your with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me.

Leviticus 25

The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me. Leviticus 25:23

 

This evening, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-two - A Theology of Things  - covering Leviticus 25:1-55, looking specifically at the fifth theme for the chapter - God Owns Everything and He Allows Us to Manage It.  Here, the commentary focuses on v23 and how God tells the Israelites that the land they are about to enter - Canaan - is not theirs but God's land. Broadly, everything in our possession came from God and God entrusts us to care for it in such a way that our use and possession glorifies Him. The commentary also refers us to the following scriptures to help underscore how believers are to be good stewards of what God provides and is in our possession:

• Psalm 24:1: the Earth is the Lord's as are all those who inhabit the Earth
  
• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: believers are not their own but were purchased and redeemed by God for a price

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who provides for all of my needs - physical, emotional, and spiritual.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide.  I often fail to come to You first - please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Leviticus 25

 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

This afternoon, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-two - A Theology of Things  - covering Leviticus 25:1-55, looking specifically at the fourth theme for the chapter - God Tells His People to Give to the Poor, So We Give.  Here, the commentary focuses on helping those who need assistance providing for themselves. It highlights verses 35-55 for specific commands God gives us on the circumstances where we are to provide for the poor.  Part of this discussion (which includes v44-46) includes commands on slavery. More than anything I am reminded to be a cheerful giver as God provides for my needs and I am commanded by God to be a good steward of how He has provided and to give back to God and to others.  John Piper has a great post on this. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love me.  I am full of sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth....." The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Leviticus 25

 And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth....."  The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Genesis 1:28, 2:15

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-two - A Theology of Things  - covering Leviticus 25:1-55, looking specifically at the third theme for the chapter - God Tells His People to Care for Creation, So We Protect It.  Here, the commentary theme for today focuses on God's commands for us to care for the natural environment God created.  It starts by pointing to the commands God gave Adam and Even in the Garden of Eden to subdue the earth, and to work and keep it.  The commentary then states that "[i]n Leviticus 25 God gave His people a specific way to care for a specific area of land.  He told them to let the land and animals rest every seven years.  God was teaching His people that the lands was their use but not their abuse. They were to respect the land, to be responsible for the land, and to care for the land."  The commentary wraps by highlighting how others may elevate the environment above humanity or to worship the environment as an idol in itself. We are encouraged not to deify nature. At the same time, we are encouraged to avoid exploitation of the land and to consider replenishment and sustainability as "modern ways to implement God's ancient command to give the land rest."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who created the Earth for me to enjoy and provide for me - thank You Jesus!  Your creation is an incredible blessing!  I am not deserving of how You provide such a blessing.  I am harsh with others.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

Leviticus 25

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Matthew 6:24

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-two - A Theology of Things  - covering Leviticus 25:1-55, looking specifically at the second theme for the chapter - God Tells His People to Worship Only Him, So We Do Not Worship Possessions.  Here, the commentary theme for today emphasizes v2, v17, v36, v38, v43, and v55 where God commands us how to relate to Him by observing a Sabbath for the land, by fearing Him, and by remembering what God has done and who He is.  The commentary emphasizes these verses and states that these verses are important because "[God] was telling them how to relate to Him.  The importance of relating to God properly is crucial if we are going to understand Leviticus 25 and most of Old Testament history.  Ultimately, the way we think about things and the way we spend money are not about dollars and centers; they are about who is our God.  God's people were anticipating leaving the Sinai wilderness and entering the land of milk and honey....They were moving from slavery to prosperity.  God was preparing them for that change by telling them to remember that He is God.  The land is God; don't worship the harvest.  The rain is not God; the real God gives the rain, the harvest, and the land.  Worship Him."  The commentary stresses these points because during this time in the Bible, the Israelites were to enter Canaan, and the Canaanites worshiped prosperity and many idol gods they thought who brought about prosperity.  The commentary then pivots to how believers of today can easily get suckered into worshiping prosperity in the same way, yet God tells us clearly we cannot serve two masters - we are referred to Matthew 6:24 to see Jesus speaking on this question.  The commentary wraps by exhorting us to fear and worship God alone and not our possessions. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of love and compassion for me.  You provide for all of my needs - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessing.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Therefore you shall do my statutes and keep my rules and perform them, and then you will dwell in the land securely. The land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and dwell in it securely. And if you say, ‘What shall we eat in the seventh year, if we may not sow or gather in our crop?’ I will command my blessing on you in the sixth year, so that it will produce a crop sufficient for three years.

Leviticus 25

“Therefore you shall do my statutes and keep my rules and perform them, and then you will dwell in the land securely. The land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and dwell in it securely. And if you say, ‘What shall we eat in the seventh year, if we may not sow or gather in our crop?’ I will command my blessing on you in the sixth year, so that it will produce a crop sufficient for three years.["] Leviticus 25:18-21

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - starting chapter twenty-two - A Theology of Things  - covering Leviticus 25:1-55, looking specifically at the introduction and first theme for the chapter - God Wants to Provide for His People So We Trust.  Here, in the commentary's introduction to the chapter, we are encouraged to see how, in Leviticus 25, "God is the sovereign Lord over all things and He provides for His people, so we trust Him to provide, we worship Him--not possessions--and we obey His commands to care for the created order and to be generous to the poor." Under the heading for the first theme in the chapter of the commentary, it states: "[i]n verse 2, God said, 'When you enter the land I am giving you.'  That was a promise from God.  He was going to give the land of Canaan to them.  It was a promise of blessing.  Hundreds of years earlier, God had promised Abraham that He was going to bless him with many descendants, and He was going to give his descendants the land of Canaan.  When God speaks with Moses here, He is about to keep that promise.  God also told Moses that if His people followed His commands He would provide them from the produce of the land.  In verses 18 and 19 God said, You are to keep My statutes and ordinances and carefully observe them, so that you may securely in the land.  The the land will yield its fruit, so that you can eat, be satisfied, and live securely in the land."  Even when Israel may question where it may get its food, God commands Israel - and all believers - to see how it is God who provides....and to trust in Him. 

The commentary for today wraps by referring us to Matthew 6:25-33 where God commands believers not to worry. The commentary writes: "Jesus told us to seek God first, and He will take care of our needs.  God knows we have needs, but He tells us not to put them first.  He wants us to seek Him and to trust Him first, and He will take care of our needs.  God wants to provide for His people, so we trust."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for how You provide - I am not deserving of how You provide.  I often fail to trust You and fail to observe Your commands.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my disobedience and lack of trust.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and sposues to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.

Leviticus 24

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever. Matthew 6:53-58

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - wrapping up chapter twenty-one - In God's Presence  - covering Leviticus 24:1-23, looking specifically at the fifth and final theme for the chapter - Christ Fulfills the Tabernacle Perfectly.  Here, the commentary summarizes Leviticus 24 by emphasizing how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament law.  It also looks at key aspects of the tabernacle as described in Leviticus 24 - the menorah (v1-4) and the bread (v5-9) - and how Jesus lives in us, and He is our light and our bread. The commentary refers us to the following scriptures (here and here) to reinforce these key points:

•  Matthew 5:17: Jesus came to fulfill the law, not abolish it
• John 1:14: Jesus became flesh and dwells within us
• John 8:12: Jesus is "the light of the world. Whoever follows [Him] will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
• John 6:35, 51-58: Jesus is the bread of life 
• Colossians 2:16-17, Hebrews 8:1-6: communion and the bread used during communion represents a symbol of taking Jesus into our lives; the commentary states that "[t]he meal is the physical shadow; fellowship with God is the spiritual substance." 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - You dwell within me and You feed me both physically and spiritually.  You also never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and grace and provision.  I sin...daily...including worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 Leviticus 24

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-one - In God's Presence  - covering Leviticus 24:1-23, looking specifically at the fourth theme for the chapter - We Respond to People Graciously.  Here, the commentary theme for today examines Leviticus 24:17-23 and what Bible scholars refer to as the law of retaliation.  While modern culture sees revenge as commonplace, often using the words written here by Moses (eye for eye, tooth for tooth, etc.), the commentary strongly encourages us to see justice as belonging to the Lord.  The commentary states: "First, God did not give the authority of retaliation to individuals, but to all His people, the nation of Israel.  The New Testament teaches the same truth--punishing lawbreakers is the role of the government, not individuals.  Second, in the cultures surrounding Israel, "vicious revenge was the general rule".  Laws like those in Leviticus 24 limited punishment and fitted punishment exactly to the crime.  If someone injured another person, the guilty party was not put to death; he was made to suffer in some way that was equivalent.....Whatever the government may do in response to wrongdoing, individual followers of Jesus don't take revenge.  We turn the other cheek....Jesus did not retaliate.  Neither should we. The commentary refers us to the following scriptures to reinforce the point that "retaliation does not belong to individuals:

• Romans 13:1-7
• Matthew 5:38-41
• Romans 12:17-21

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Romans 13:1-7

 Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You alone are judge and authority over all, including earthly authorities that You place in our lives.  You are full of mercy and compassion for me as I know I have sinned and the wages of sin are death - yet You continue to spare me despite my sin - thank You Jesus!  I am certainly not deserving of the grace You pour out on me...every single day.  I have sin of worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

 Leviticus 24

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 2 Peter 3:8-10

This afternoon, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-one - In God's Presence  - covering Leviticus 24:1-23, looking specifically at the third theme for the chapter - We Relate to God Reverently.  Here, we tackle a difficult question - to what extent should we fear and revere God?  The commentary theme for today looks specifically at Leviticus 24:10-16 and v23 - these verses describe how a man blasphemes God, and how God directs Moses to have the man stoned to death as his punishment, and how then the "people of Israel" carried out this punishment. The commentary discusses how theologians and Biblical scholars stress the need to "balance God's immanence and His transcendence" (see DesiringGod.com on this balance, as well as dictionary definitions of immanence and transcendence).  We must balance our view of God who desires an intimate relationship with us (see post yesterday as an example) with a view of God, as described by the commentary, as "not...a mere mortal man, but...the all-powerful Lord of Hosts, Creator of the Universe!  We must always observe that distinction...God tells us repeatedly in His Word to fear Him."  We are referred to Hebrews 10:31 as one of many scriptural examples that remind us to fear God.  The author of the commentary then writes: "[s]ome people are surprised by the severity of God's judgement of the man who blasphemed.  On the contrary, I am surprised by the extent of God's mercy.  We are surrounded by blasphemers.  At work, at school, and in the media we are regularly hear people scoff at the truth of God's Word, mock God's people, and publicly deny God's existence.  Yet God allows them to live another day, and another, and another.  He mercifully gives them many opportunities to turn to Him in faith.  The commentary then describes how Paul refers to God's "extraordinary patience" in 1 Timothy 1:16 and how Peter wrote about the same thing in 2 Peter 3:8-10. The commentary wraps by examining a question: "[w]ho knows how many opportunities [God] gave to the man described in Leviticus 24?....God's judgement of him was an act of mercy to everyone in the man's life, so that they would not learn to blaspheme from him and go into an eternity of suffering and separation from God.  In eternity God will be treated as holy; He will be worshiped as God.  We relate to God reverently."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is SO patient with me and full of mercy for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God!  My sin of harshness with others, etc. is great.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to accept You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.

 Leviticus 24

 I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. John 6:48-51

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-one - In God's Presence  - covering Leviticus 24:1-23, looking specifically at the second theme for the chapter - We Fellowship with God Intimately.  Here, as the theme aptly describes, the commentary theme for today emphasizes how we are to fellowship with God in study of God's Word and in prayer.  Using Leviticus 24:5-9 as the scriptural basis for such emphasis, the commentary looks specifically at v8 where it says "[e]very Sabbath day Aaron shall arrange [the bread or fellowship offering] before the Lord regularly," and v8-9 where the priests are commanded by God to offer the bread as a permanent due. V9 also describes how the priests are, once the bread from the day before is removed from the "table of pure gold" and the new bread replaces the old bread, the old bread is to eaten by the priests and enjoyed in fellowship with God within the tabernacle. The twelve loaves of bread of course represents all of the tribes of Israel and the commentary then connects the dots for us by stating that "God invited all His people to fellowship with Him."

The commentary then pivots to the New Testament and how believers are commanded by God to be in fellowship with Him.  1 Corinthians 1:9 and Hebrews 4:14, 16 are provided as scriptural references for how God called us into fellowship with Him and encourages us approach Him with confidence to receive mercy and grace. In John 6:51 Jesus refers to Himself as the Bread of Life.  Acts 2:42-47 describes the new church that formed on Pentecost (specifically Acts 2:46-47) and how "day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people." Both Matthew 6 and Luke 11 describe how Jesus taught us how to pray by asking Him to "[g]ive us this/each day our daily bread."

Comment and discuss this post here. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and You are the Bread of Life!  You feed me in ALL ways and in the most important way - spiritually!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You fellowship with me.  I sin...slander, gossip, worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.