Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.["]

Exodus 20:12

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.["] Exodus 20:12

I pause this morning my study of Numbers to prepare for leading Sunday school as we discuss today's sermon on the fifth commandment - Exodus 20:12.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: We are commanded by God to honor our mother and father - with honor being defined generally as "respect that is given to someone who is admired."  Honor includes obedience, and how we treat someone not only when we are with them but also when we are not - upholding one's reputation.  We can only rightly do this from a biblical standpoint if we love God first and through our love of Him and in response to His love for us we love others because this pleases Him and we seek to please, honor and glorify Him.  Therefore, our love of others, including love for our mother and father, reflects our relationship with Jesus. God gives us a promise also - although we should understand that long life is not promised here but instead a general blessing of peace and satisfaction. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Often, people in teenage and young adult years seek independence from the path laid out by their parents and this sometimes manifests itself in rebellion.  This rebellion is often not just from the parent-child relationship, from the relationship with God.  Parents often feel that rebellion is a reflection upon them and to a certain extent it is, but largely it is not because there are plenty of Godly parents whose children are rebellious.  God is in control and we cannot engineer our children.  Prayer and leaning into God is the only proper response to rebellion.    
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeing parents as a burden.  Claim the promise of a blessed life upon honoring your father and mother.  Follow the example of Jesus who honored the will of His Father.  Love God first and in response, love, obey, and honor your mother and father. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome Holy God that is approachable and accessible - You save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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 LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “Let not the tribe of the clans of the Kohathites be destroyed from among the Levites, but deal thus with them, that they may live and not die when they come near to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint them each to his task and to his burden, but they shall not go in to look on the holy things even for a moment, lest they die.”

Numbers 4:16-20

The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “Let not the tribe of the clans of the Kohathites be destroyed from among the Levites, but deal thus with them, that they may live and not die when they come near to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint them each to his task and to his burden, but they shall not go in to look on the holy things even for a moment, lest they die.” Numbers 4:17-20

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 4:16-20, where the Lord gives Moses and Aaron instructions for Eleazar to be in charge of the tabernacle and all that is in it, and guidance for treatment of the Kohathites in their role.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Yes God is holy.  There should be no doubt about this.  The text today implies that there should be reverence for God - He is the Name Above Every Name and we should not take His name in vain (see also Exodus 20:7 from the 10 Commandments and this sermon) and we should certainly follow His instructions.  But once again, specifically and explicitly in the text today we are referring to ceremonial law and roles in this context.  The New Covenant based on Jesus' shed blood does away with the ceremonial law and while we should have reverent fear of God (see this post about fear as preservative), we should not fear approaching God is He is our personal Lord and Savior.  God loves us, wants to spend time with us, reveal Himself to us, etc.  He wants us to bring our cares and concerns to Him.  Hebrews 4:14-16 is key. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Each of us have a role to play in the mission He lays before us as individuals, the local church, and the global church.  Obedience to His mission is not burdensome as described in v19 - see also 1 John 5:3.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid carelessly approaching God or misusing His name.  Claim the promise that we can approach God in confidence.  Follow the example of Jesus who did not see obedience to the Father as burdensome.  Fear God (as a preservative) because He is holy.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome Holy God that is approachable and accessible - You save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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 when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, as the camp sets out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry these, but they must not touch the holy things, lest they die. These are the things of the tent of meeting that the sons of Kohath are to carry.

Numbers 4:1-15

And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, as the camp sets out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry these, but they must not touch the holy things, lest they die. These are the things of the tent of meeting that the sons of Kohath are to carry. Numbers 4:15

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 4:1-15, where the Lord commands Moses and Aaron to take a census of the sons of Kohath (among the Levites), and He describes their duties with the tent of meeting.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God seeks obedience - in detail.  In the Old Testament ceremonial law, these details matter but we know that as part of God's plan obedience to this level of detail is unsustainable so there is a need for regular atonement through animal sacrifice.  With the New Covenant based on Christ's shed blood, obedience to ceremonial law is fulfilled permanently, leaving obedience to the moral law intact.  Obedience in detail still matters because lack of attention to detail shows lack of care.  We should treasure God above all else and it should show in our obedience and service to Him.  Because He is SO good to us, in response we want to please, honor and glorify Him...so obedience is not burdensome (see also 1 John 5:3). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: There are so many people behind the scenes in every day life that serve and obey God in detail.  Their hearts are right with God because they abide in Him and bear fruit (John 15:1-10).  They are not seeking their own glory but that of the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeking God's favor through action and your own strength and power.  Claim the promise that obedience is not burdensome because we love Him SO much and we treasure and seek Him. Follow the example of Jesus who loved the Father SO much that He willingly suffered and died so that others could have life now to the full and for eternity.  Obey God in detail - do it all for the glory of God. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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.  

So Moses took the redemption money from those who were over and above those redeemed by the Levites. From the firstborn of the people of Israel he took the money, 1,365 shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary. And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Numbers 3:40-51

So Moses took the redemption money from those who were over and above those redeemed by the Levites. From the firstborn of the people of Israel he took the money, 1,365 shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary. And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses. Numbers 3:49-51

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 3:40-51, where the Lord commands Moses to take a redemption price from among the firstborn (above and beyond the firstborn of the Levites).  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God commands Moses to collect a redemption price for each firstborn from among the people of Israel above and beyond the count of the firstborn from among the Levites - see vv39, 43, 46-47. This price - 1,365 shekels (273*5) is then collected and provided to Aaron and his sons.  God holds with high regard the role of the priesthood in church and seeks for the priesthood to be supported by offerings and this is carried over from the Old Testament (see Leviticus 7, Numbers 18, and Deuteronomy 18) to the New Testament (see 1 Corinthians 9:13-14).  Such support allows the priesthood focus on their God-given duties without minimal distraction.  This is emphasized in v41 and v45 where God says the "the Levites shall be mine," implying that God is reserving them from among all of Israel for a special purpose.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The designation of the priesthood as mediator between God and the people first started in Exodus 20:19 where fire, smoke, thunder, etc. at Mount Sinai terrified the people and they pleaded with Moses to intercede and speak to God directly on their behalf.  The New Covenant based on Jesus' shed blood did away with this as believers can now go Jesus directly without the need of any intervention.  The role of a lead pastor exists now for teaching and shepherding the church and should be viewed as such.  However, many church attendees overemphasize the role of the pastor in their own personal relationship with Jesus.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid overemphasizing your pastors' role in your personal relationship with Jesus.  Claim the promise that you can approach Jesus with confidence (directly).  Support your lead pastor and church leadership.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God and I know I can approach You directly and with confidence.  Thank You Jesus for my salvation and for the blessings You pour out for me daily.  I know these never cease.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it 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.

[A]ny outsider who came near was to be put to death.

Numbers 3:14-39

[A]ny outsider who came near was to be put to death. Numbers 3:38b

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 3:14-39, where the Lord speaks to Moses, as He provides additional commands for a census among the Levites, and more specifics on how the Levites were to guard the tabernacle.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God organizes the Levites and provides them with a mission as each of the clans of Levi's sons are not only numbered (from one month of age upward), but also named specifically, they are given a specific place to camp around the tabernacle, and they are also given specific physical attributes of the tabernacle to guard.  In the Old Testament, the physical location of worship is given special meaning as outsiders are to avoid getting to close to the sanctuary, as they risk being put to death (v38).  Yet the New Covenant in Jesus, believers must understand that there is no such attachment to the physical temple as the temple itself is anywhere believers gather as believers' bodies are referred to as the temple given Jesus lives in the hearts of believers.  See also Ephesians 2:19-22 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: As Jesus lives inside believers hearts, God intends for others to see Jesus in us as we worship through our actions, demonstrating love of others.  People do not need protection from getting too close to the sanctuary - on the contrary, God wants non-believers to be drawn to believers through the light of Jesus that shines through us. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid attachment to a church building or to physical attributes of a church.  Claim the promise that each of us as believers are a temple with Jesus residing in our hearts. Follow the example of the Levites who stood guard over the temple - of course recognizing that we must protect our heart because that is where Jesus lives.  Glorify God in your body.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You sacrificed Your body and life for me...so that I could have life now to the full and for eternity.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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.

They shall be mine: I am the LORD.

Numbers 3:11-13

They shall be mine: I am the LORD. Numbers 3:13

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 3:11-13, where the Lord speaks to Moses and shares how the Levites are His.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: The text describes how the Levites, among all the tribes in Israel, were taken by God to be His representatives to Him and they were His possession (vv12-13).  As with all scripture, this text points to Jesus and how with His shed blood, all believers (all of Creation) are a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).  God wants us to draw near to Him, personally, and not let anything or anyone stand in our way - He is our #1 priority.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The Levites, and ultimately all believers, were chosen from among the people to serve in the priesthood and they belong to God.  When you belong to God, you are designed to serve His will, for His glory.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid thinking that you exist to serve self or anything/anyone above God.  Claim the promise that, as a believer, you were purchased by His blood for a price, and you are a royal priesthood called out of darkness into His marvelous light.  Follow the example of the Levites and proclaim the excellencies of Him.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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.

They shall keep guard over him and over the whole congregation before the tent of meeting, as they minister at the tabernacle. They shall guard all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, and keep guard over the people of Israel as they minister at the tabernacle.

Numbers 3:5-10

They shall keep guard over him and over the whole congregation before the tent of meeting, as they minister at the tabernacle. They shall guard all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, and keep guard over the people of Israel as they minister at the tabernacle.  Numbers 3:7-8

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 3:5-10, the Lord speaks to Moses and describes the duties of the Levites.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: In describing the duties of the Levites, the Lord first tells Moses to bring the Levites near, before Aaron, so that they can minister to Aaron.  In today's church, the lead pastor needs care and protection in his role - encouragement, wisdom, protection from sinful influences, etc. - pastoral staff and the elders typically serve and provide for this care and protection.  The Lord then further describes the role of Levites more akin to how deacons serve in today's church, by keeping guard over the whole congregation. First and foremost, the Levites are emphasized as servants, "given to Aaron and his sons" (v9).  V10 describes a limit, similarly described in text from a post a few days ago, and with the new covenant based on Jesus' shed blood, no such limit exists for believers.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Everyone has a role in the church and those in the church need care and support, including leadership.  All of God's gifts work together in the body of the church supporting one another and the church as a whole. See also 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid selfish desires.  Claim the promise that God gives each member of the church worth, value and an important role to play.  Follow the example of the Levites who serve and watch over the whole congregation.  Love and serve others.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and provides for Your church, giving us leaders that faithfully serve.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of how You provide such blessings, and most importantly, my salvation.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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 Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children.

 Numbers 3:1-4

But Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. Numbers 3:4a

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 3:1-4, the sons of Aaron as the Lord prepares to describe their duties as part of the priesthood.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text God?: God ordains specific people into the priesthood, and while in the New Testament, Jesus serves as the Great High Priest (see Hebrews 4:14-16) and believers can approach Him with confidence and go directly to God, specific individuals are called to serve in the priesthood as part of the church.  1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 describe the attributes of those in the priesthood. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The text repeats Leviticus 10:1-2 where Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire when not commanded to by the Lord.  "[F]ire came out from before the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD."  Nadab and Abihu are described as having no children in v4, so the remain sons of Aaron served in the priesthood.  In the Old Testament, ceremonial law was carefully followed.  What is interesting here is that Nadab and Abihu are far from the only ones who did not carefully follow ceremonial law by either commission or omission.  During Jesus' ministry, Jewish leadership accused Jesus of breaking laws based on what they added to the law, With the new covenant with Jesus, through His shed blood, Jesus fulfilled the law and did away with ceremonial law.  The moral law remains and first and foremost God requires our heart as the most important commandments (see Matthew 22:37-40) to love Him, then to love others.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not add to or subtract to the law neither for your own benefit or for the benefit or harm (judgement) of someone else.  Claim the promise that God cares about your heart - He desires mercy not sacrifice and that Jesus fulfilled the law so that we can approach Him confidently and directly without the need for a priest (or a sacrifice) on our behalf.  Obey the moral law - most importantly to love God and love others.   

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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.

Then the tent of meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps; as they camp, so shall they set out, each in position, standard by standard.

 Numbers 2:1-34

Then the tent of meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps; as they camp, so shall they set out, each in position, standard by standard. Numbers 2:17

I return to my study of Numbers, and in the text today 2:1-34, we see organizing the tribes of Israel in the wilderness as they camp and set out. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God seeks organization and order in the church as He seeks to optimize the efforts of His people - He has a plan and it is a good and perfect plan with each unit of His people having unique gifts and each playing a specific role - see also 1 Corinthians 12.  Of course, here in Numbers the tabernacle (God's house) is in the midst of the camps.  Building on my posts already for Numbers, where we see God setting limits on how He is approached (through the Levites), here we see God (accessed through the Levites) "in the midst" of all the camps.  This is a reminder that God is always with us and always at work.  For believers, Jesus - through the Holy Spirit - is in our hearts and lives and we bear fruit if we abide in Him (John 15:1-10). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: In v34, we see the people of Israel did "[a]ccording to all that the LORD commanded Moses[.]"  They camped and set out around the tabernacle and church. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid leaning on Your own desires for Your life but instead seek His will and design for Your life.  Claim the promise that God is in your midst and you will bear fruit if you abide in Him.  Follow the example of Israel that put God and His house in the center of your life. Abide in Him and seek His will for your life.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor how You bless.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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.

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

 Philippians 4:1-9

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

I pause my study of Numbers to park for this morning in Philippians 4:1-9, as this is the text discussed with my Friday AM Brothers in Christ small group.  Here in text, Paul, from prison, writes to the persecuted church and Christians in Philippi, to encourage them and exhort them to lean on Christ.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God wants unity in the church.  He is saddened when brothers and sisters in Christ take disagreement to the point of sin where it causes harm and conflict.  God wants us to experience peace - always - and during periods of stress, anxiety, etc., He offers us a supernatural peace.  We gain this by renewing our mind through study, meditation, reflection on Him, and through prayer.  Paul is provided as an example for us to model as God works through Him.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: While Paul is in captivity in Rome (see Philippians 1:13), he is nonetheless thinking not of himself but others and in particular the church in Philippi.  Paul first asks the church to encourage reconciliation between Euodia and Syntyche, as unity is a key theme in scripture as lack of it undermines the mission of the church.  We are to work hard to be in harmony regardless of our disagreements.  Paul then pivots to encourage the church to (1) rejoice always, (2) be reasonable - of course using Jesus' standard here which is counter culture, (3) to pray and to be at peace - a peace "which surpasses all understanding", (4) to think of being "true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence [or] anything worthy of praise[.]"  He then encourages them to model what they have "learned and received and heard and seen" in him....[as] the God of peace will be with you."
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid taking disagreements with others in the church to the point of conflict.  Claim the promise that if we practice what we have "learned and received and heard and seen in [Paul]...the God of peace will be with you."  Follow the example of Paul, that, despite his imprisonment, continued to practice what He saw in Jesus and other early leaders of the church.  Be transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2) - reading and study of God's Word - to think of "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, [and] if there is anything worthy of praise."

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that offers a peace that surpasses understanding.  You save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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 appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall take care of it and shall camp around the tabernacle....Thus did the people of Israel; they did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.

 Numbers 1:47-54

But appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall take care of it and shall camp around the tabernacle....Thus did the people of Israel; they did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses. Numbers 1:44-46

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 1:47-54, we see God speaking to Moses, sharing with him how the Levites are not part of the census and how they have a special role with regard to the tabernacle.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: The Levites were given three commands with regards to the tabernacle (and all of its furnishings and all that belongs to it per v50) (1) to carry it, (2) to take care of it, and (3) to camp around the tabernacle.  The role of the Levites is expanded with commands to setup and take down the tabernacle and to protect Israel from coming too close to the tabernacle lest they suffer the wrath of God.  Outsiders are not allowed near the tabernacle lest they are put to death.  This passage broadly speaks of restrictions God placed on Israel about how the people were to worship Him - see also this sermon on Exodus 19 for similar text. Here in Numbers 1, God places the Levites between Himself and the people of Israel.  Ultimately, as my pastor's sermon lays out, Jesus removes these restrictions for anyone to go to Jesus directly.  See also Hebrews 4:16.     
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The people of Israel were obedient and they did all that the Lord commanded Moses - v54.  Believers, those who love God (per most important commandment), as a natural response to their love for Him, do not see obedience to Him as a burden (see also 1 John 5:3).    
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid placing anything in front of or above God - go to Him first and above anything else - God is our number one priority.  Claim the promise that we can approach Him directly with confidence. Follow the example of those who understand that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."  See obedience as not burdensome. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves and there are no restrictions on how and when I can approach You...thank You Jesus that I can approach You in confidence. I am not deserving of how You save and how I can come to You.  My sin is great and it 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.

These are those who were listed, whom Moses and Aaron listed with the help of the chiefs of Israel, twelve men, each representing his fathers’ house. So all those listed of the people of Israel, by their fathers’ houses, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war in Israel— all those listed were 603,550.

 Numbers 1:20-46

These are those who were listed, whom Moses and Aaron listed with the help of the chiefs of Israel, twelve men, each representing his fathers’ house. So all those listed of the people of Israel, by their fathers’ houses, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war in Israel— all those listed were 603,550. Numbers 1:44-46

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 1:20-46, we see the results of the census by tribe.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God cares about the details...yes, He is a big God who is both our Creator and is in and before all things and He holds all things together (Colossians 1:16-17), but He cares about each person individually, and each of us are not just numbers - we are His creation and He loves each one of us.  See also Matthew 10:30, and Luke 12:7 where the text shares how God numbers all the hairs on your head. Text from the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12–14, Luke 15:3–7) shares how God leaves the rest of His sheep (99) and goes to find the one lost sheep.  You matter to God. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Each person has a a role to play in God's plan. See my post yesterday.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeing yourself as unnamed and not worthy of love.  Claim the promise that God loves all of His creation and seeks to save as many as possible. Follow the example of those who have confessed their sin to Jesus and surrendered their life to Him as Lord and Savior.  Obey God and His call as the tribes did in Numbers to play a role in journey He sets before you in your journey to the promised land (Heaven).  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are indeed a great God...a big God that cares about all the details and who knows everything about us individually and He cares about each one of us.  Thank You Jesus for Your love and for my salvation.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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.

Moses and Aaron took these men who had been named, and on the first day of the second month, they assembled the whole congregation together, who registered themselves by clans, by fathers’ houses, according to the number of names from twenty years old and upward, head by head, as the LORD commanded Moses. So he listed them in the wilderness of Sinai.

 Numbers 1:1-19

Moses and Aaron took these men who had been named, and on the first day of the second month, they assembled the whole congregation together, who registered themselves by clans, by fathers’ houses, according to the number of names from twenty years old and upward, head by head, as the LORD commanded Moses. So he listed them in the wilderness of Sinai. Numbers 1:17-19

I've completed my study of John and start a study of Numbers, as I alternate between Old and New Testament studies.  In the text today, God organizes the people of Israel according to tribes, taking a census, and establishing leaders among the tribes as they set off from Mt Sinai into the wilderness with the promised land as their destination.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God takes a census, as He organizes the men of Israel to lead the people to the promised land.  Leaders (to assist Moses and Aaron) are named as God sets apart specific people for the roles they will play in the journey He sets before them.  Similar to Israel, all of us (speaking to believers) are on a journey heading to the promised land, and this is Heaven.  This is where our citizenship and allegiance lies and it is the home God gives us.  Earth is temporary and it and us will fade away as God's kingdom in Heaven is permanent. God puts people over us to lead us on this journey and we must faithfully follow God and the leaders He appoints over us.  This organization and unity is key if we are to function as God intends.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Each of us as believers is set apart for a specific role, whether we are a leader or not we have a function.  No one is left out nor is anyone less worthy.  See also 1 Corinthians 12 where the text describes how the church is organized of members with different spiritual gifts and how they all work together - even when one is weaker than the other. Moses, Aaron, the tribal leaders, and all of Israel has a role on our collective journey to the promised land. The leaders did as the Lord commanded (v19) so we must do as well. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid focusing on self on your journey to the promised land (Heaven) but instead seek God's will and be humble to follow those set above you to lead you. Claim the promise that God is saving a place for us in Heaven - our home.  Follow the example of those who followed leaders set above the people in Israel in the Sinai wilderness - be humble and and follow according to the role God gives you.  As we go on our journey support, encourage, pray for, and be unified with other believers.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You for the leaders who faithfully serve our church and me as they lead me in my journey to the promised land.  I am not deserving of how You save and provide leaders to guide and serve me.  My sin is great and it is daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me understand, 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 continue to 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. 

Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

 John 21:20-25

Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 21:20-25, where we see Jesus rebuke Peter for his apparent envy of John.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is not concerned about petty conflicts among believers - He knows that unity is very important among believers and we should not allow ourselves to be envious (it is a sin) nor should we allow minor disagreements to divide us.  Jesus rebukes Peter for his concern and exhorts him to focus on the command given him - to follow Jesus.  Jesus' plan for Peter (see vv18-19) was to be a martyr and we know that His plan for John was for him to be exiled to Patmos where he received God's vision and inspiration for the book of Revelation.  V25 could be referred to as the greatest understatement in history - Jesus, nor His works cannot be contained or measured.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: John does not have any higher place than Peter as Jesus and scripture make it clear that whoever seeks to be first shall become last - emphasizing humility (Mark 9:35). 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid envy.  Follow the example of Jesus who in humility took on flesh so that many could be saved.  Don't be concerned with the task given someone else, follow Jesus and His will for Your life. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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.

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

 John 21:15-19

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” John 21:18-19

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 21:15-19, where we see Jesus restore Peter from the sin of his denial.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus asks Peter three times whether he loves Him - in contrast to Peter's denial of Jesus three times before the rooster crows (see Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and John 18) as Peter responds yes three times - text recognized as Jesus restoring Peter. Jesus offers second (and third, etc.) chances as He forgives.  Jesus is also reinforcing His role of Good Shepherd (see John 10:1-18) and charging Peter with taking on this same role, to feed young (lamb) and old (sheep) believers. Jesus then shares - emphasizing His authority to make such statements prophecy of how Peter will die, encouraging Peter to follow Him.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?:  Jesus offers Peter a second opportunity to follow Him and most scholars recognize that Peter did indeed die on the cross - but he insisted that he hang on the cross by his feet as he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus (see this Bible dictionary post).  There is a cost to following Jesus.  He wants us to proclaim the Gospel, and Truth - to all corners of the world, and in many of these places this will be costly, even to the point of physical harm or death.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid not following Jesus in the mission He gives you.  Claim the promise that He is with is - always.  Follow Jesus (and Peter's) example to do the will of the Father.  Follow Jesus.  

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My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of how You save, forgive, restore. Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of how You love me.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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.    

Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.

 John 21:1-14

Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. John 21:12b

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 21:1-14, where we see Jesus appear to the disciples after the resurrection - this time by the Sea of Tiberias.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is in all the details of our lives.  Here the text does not say disciples were desperate or particularly hungry - it is an ordinary moment in their lives.  Jesus wants to remind us that He is always with us - always at work.  He provides - including strength for the net so that it does not break, and a fire with bread.  We should never worry about how He provides.  He shares hospitality with the disciples - a theme God reinforces throughout scripture that takes an ordinary moment and is used to bring glory to Him through Godly fellowship among believers and among believers seeking to share the Good News with others.  Jesus has now appeared to the disciples three times after the resurrection - He wants them to be certain that He has defeated sin and death.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The disciples were together - seven of them.   Believers should be in each others' lives - this is how God designed us - for fellowship so that we can support and encourage one another and act with unity.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?):  Avoid missing Jesus and doubting that He is there (no one should dare ask who are You?) - He is always with us and He is always at work.  Claim the promise that we can never be separated from His love.  Follow the example of Jesus who spent time with other believers and encouraged fellowship and hospitality.  Love, encourage and support one another as believers.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and my personal Lord and Savior.  I have no doubt who You are as You loved while I was still an enemy and hostile to You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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 thier 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. 

“Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.

Luke 7:1-10

“Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Luke 7:6

This morning, I take a short side trip to Luke 7:1-10, text for my Friday AM study with three other guys.  Here a centurion's servant is healed by Jesus.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: The centurion sees Jesus as someone with authority, whose words and commands have power to make things happen - in this case to heal his servant. Jesus is also seen as higher "worth" or status than the centurion.  What's amazing is that Jesus humbled himself by taking on flesh to be the incarnate Son of God and the centurion sees himself as less worthy than Jesus - in contrast to how the world saw the centurion.  Here we see two amazing portraits of humility.  Humility is one of the most important attributes we should have in our journey with Christ.  We must have humility to acknowledge our need for salvation and for Jesus, and then we must every day go to Him for our daily bread to provide all things - most importantly our spiritual needs.  Jesus marvels at the centurion.  Just as God was well please with Jesus at His baptism, we seek for God to be pleased with us.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The Jewish elders (v3) are used in this story by Jesus to bring glory to God and Jesus rightly shares in v9 that the centurion has more faith than the Jews even though the Jews should have seen Jesus as fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy as the promised Messiah.        
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid not seeing Jesus for who He is and placing ourselves or an earthly idol above or in place of Jesus.  Claim the promise that Jesus is King of Kings whose Word is God (John 1:1) and how He is in all and over all things, and that He alone saves (even though we are not worthy).  Follow the example of the centurion who saw Jesus as more worthy and that we are not worthy...but that Jesus alone is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory.  Understand and act with intent that we exist for His glory.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You alone are worthy of all praise, honor and glory.  Thank You for saving me and giving me the gift of salvation.  I am not deserving - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it 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.

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

 John 20:30-31

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 20:30-31, where John closes this chapter by sharing his heart that people read his letter and believe.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Building on my post yesterday, God wants to save as many as possible, so He reveals Himself through Creation (general revelation) and specifically in His Word, through the Holy Spirit, and through others (church, other believers, etc.) - this is referred to as special revelation.  John, as Christ's ambassador, was given a mission to share the gospel through His books (including 1-3 John, Revelation) and the general theme is to save through faith in Christ. Salvation gives us life both now to the full (John 10:10), and for eternity. Read the Bible and encounter God. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: All people seek purpose, but often seek purpose in earthly pursuits as these become idols in place of God.  Believers are tasked with sharing the gospel and by demonstrating God in them through love of others.  God's Word plays a key role in this mission, and God also commands us to love others and to be a light so that others are drawn to Him as a contrast to the darkness of this world (without God). Be a light to others.     
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeking purpose above God - we exist to bring glory to Him.  Claim the promise that Jesus gives us life now and for eternity.  Follow the example of John to share the gospel and by being a light to others.  Read the Bible, know and love God and in response love others to be a light.    

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You Jesus for Your Word so that I can know You, love You and love others.  I am not deserving of these blessings.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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.

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

 John 20:24-29

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 20:24-29, where, after the resurrection, Jesus appears to the disciples again - this time with Thomas, who did not believe that Jesus had rose from the dead.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God does not mind that we doubt - see also Jude 22-23 where we are encouraged to have mercy on those who doubt.  In this case, Jesus overcomes locked doors (not a difficult feat for God) to bring Thomas to faith.  Jesus uses this as a teaching moment to encourage belief in Jesus without full evidence - this is faith.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: All of us, like Thomas, have sufficient evidence to know that God exists - without excuse (general revelation) - see Romans 1:20. Yet many continue to doubt - if this is you, I would encourage you to lean into God because if You seek Him with all of your heart, you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13) (special revelation).
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid testing God - see the latter remarks of this post. Claim the promise that Jesus is who He says He is - King of Kings, the Good Shepherd, and your personal Lord and Savior who has already defeated sin and death and rose again giving believers life now to the full and for eternity.  Follow the example of those who have not seen everything but believe - have faith.  Trust God's promises (2 Corinthians 1:20).   

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are my personal Lord and Savior and I know I can never be separated from Your love.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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.

Peace be with you....Peace be with you....And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

 John 20:19-23

Peace be with you....Peace be with you....And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:19,20,22

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 20:19-23, where Jesus appears to the disciples after the resurrection.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God seeks to bring peace of mind (vv19, 21) to the disciples, first that it is truly Him, so He shows them (v20) the wounds to His hands and side (which was pierced) as He hung on the cross.  Peace of mind was important as well because of persecution of the those identified to be followers of Jesus - if Jesus could be put to death so could anyone associated with Him.  Jesus gives us peace - even in the darkest moments.  He is Light (see also John 1:4, 8:12). Jesus sought to give this peace of mind certainly through His physical presence, but also through the Holy Spirit which He gave to the disciples by breathing on them (v22). Jesus then shares that forgiveness can be given or withheld in v23 although multiple reads of this verse give me pause to discern whether the "it" being withheld is forgiveness or the Holy Spirit from v22. See also this John Piper message for more on this verse. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Following Jesus does have a cost as persecution comes in many forms.  The disciples face imprisonment, physical harm, and even death - as such they locked the doors (v19).  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid fear and worry as this will cascade into other sins.  Claim the promise that Jesus provides us the Holy Spirit and we can never be separated from His love.  Follow the example of those who followed Jesus at great cost - pick up your cross daily and follow Him.  Trust Him as He is the Good Shepherd who loves, cares, and saves.   

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  I am not deserving of how You save and provide peace - and I know that I can never be separated from Your love.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and my salvation.  My sin is great and it 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 continue to 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.