Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace.

Leviticus 10

Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace. Leviticus 10:3

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter ten - Our Response to God's Holiness - covering Leviticus 10:1-20, looking specifically at the theme - God's People Accept Responsibility to Represent Him.  Here, the commentary looks closely at the role of the priests in both the Old and New Testament.  In the Old Testament, the Levites served as priests, mediating between God and the Israelites - specifically here in Leviticus 10, Aaron and his sons served as priests.  The commentary discusses how the priests were held to a higher standard and had a "special level of responsibility [(]to lead worship according to God's directions and to represent God accurately[)] relative to the Israelite congregation at large.  In the New Testament, all believers in Christ now share that "special responsibility" as "ambassadors" of Christ.  My post from a few days ago looks at how Christ offers a covenant that He "mediates is better" than that of the first covenant (from the Old Testament). The commentary unpacks v10:2 where it says "Aaron held his peace," to highlight how Aaron restrained his sorrow for his sons Nadab and Abihu and how difficult this must have been. According to the commentary, "[t]his was a defining moment.  The refusal to mourn would make the point that nothing, not even a cherished child, is as important as God Himself or as important as treating Him as holy.  If Aaron and the other priests had mourned the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, it could have appeared that they did not accept God's judgement or that they had greater sympathy for the sinners than they had for God's holiness.  People were watching them, and their loyalty to God was a bigger issue than loyalty to family."  For another scriptural example of how God seeks loyalty to Him above anybody else, the commentary refers us to the wickedness of Eli's sons and God's judgement on both Eli and his sons in 1 Samuel 2:22-36, and 1 Samuel 4:17-20. 

Another key takeaway from the the commentary this morning is that the "death of Nadab and Abihu is a warning not to trifle with the commands of God or misrepresent the glory of God.  When God speaks, there is no room for innovation; we must not corrupt God's Word by what we say or what we do."  Just as people watched the Levites, including Aaron and sons, in the Old Testament, people are watching believers in Christ and we must be holy as we represent God as ambassadors.  

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed Holy and worthy of my obedience to Your commands.  Thank You for sending Your Son to live in my heart and life to bring about obedience as I am unable to do this in my own power.  Yet I am undeserving of such a blessing.  I worry and I have other sins.  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 whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.

Matthew 16-18, Mark 8-9, Luke 9,17

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:25, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24

Day 305 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on how Jesus prepares ..."his chosen disciples for his death and to strengthen their ministry in carrying on his work. At this point in Jesus’ ministry the apostles are truly convinced that Jesus is the Messiah, but apparently they too have notions of a political Messiah. Realizing that their understanding of his messiah-ship is still very limited, and that their somewhat simplistic faith will be tested, Jesus begins to tell the apostles about his death, as well as the burdens which they themselves will face. Talk of their Leader’s imminent death must surely confuse these men, who have hopes of playing key roles in a wholly different kind of kingdom."*

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

The reading this morning includes the Transfiguration (Matthew 17), as well as teachings on humility. 

Just as Jesus prepares the twelve for their mission, we too must understand the burdens and cost of following Jesus.  Yet John reminds us that obedience to God is not burdensome.

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. 1 John 5:1-4 

Paul provides similar words - comparing his comfort and power from his position as a Jewish leader to now following Jesus:

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:7-11 

It helps for us to focus on how we are not citizens of this world but instead citizens of Heaven and investing eternally.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gave me faith.  You also helped me grow in my humility (more work here...) and see how following You is not burdensome.  Thank You Jesus - for these blessings and so much more.  I am grateful.  I am also not deserving.  I worry, and I have other sin...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. 

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Matthew 8-9, 13, Luke 8-9, Mark 4-6

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17

Day 301 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - focusing on Jesus' miracles as my commentary* notes: ..."the miracles are a means of confirming the message that the kingdom of God is now being established with power! God is establishing his rule through Christ, and proving it with the miraculous power which Jesus exercises over the forces of nature, over the spirit world, and over death and disease."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Acknowledging the power behind Jesus' miracles - that Jesus is who He claims to be  - is without doubt important.  It's not about what Jesus does, it is about who He is and the power He has...over everything...forever.  

Just as Jesus challenges some of His followers to examine why we follow Jesus, we must do the same...are we willing to put Jesus first in our lives.  DesiringGod.com has more thoughts on this challenge.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who rules over all - Creator and King of Kings - I am grateful that You love me and saved me...and I am fully aware that I am completely undeserving.  My sin is daily and it continues.  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, apply, and be obedient to Your message today and every day.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Nehemiah 13, 12

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Day 284 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with the book of Nehemiah where Nehemiah, after the completion of the temple wall, briefly leaves Jerusalem to consult with Artaxerxes in Susa, and my commentary* describes how, during this period, "some of the people back in Palestine to forget the covenant they made when Nehemiah was with them. Since then, they have neglected and desecrated the temple, violated the Sabbath, failed to continue temple offerings, and begun again to marry foreign wives".

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Today's reading is a reminder that we must make our relationship with God a priority - above everything else - and be mindful of how earthly influences and Satan seek to get in the way of our relationship with God. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is the source of all things and You sustain all things - without out I would be completely lost and damned.  Thank You for guiding me, rescuing me, and sustaining me...and so much more!  I am not deserving of how You love me and bless me.  I worry and I have other sins.  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 expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house.

Haggai 1-2, Zechariah 1

“You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house. Haggai 1:9

Day 269 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* moves to the ministry of Haggai and Zechariah, as they are described as "prophets of God.  Little is known about Haggai, but it is surmised that he is one of the exiles who remembers the former temple before its destruction. If so, he is probably at least 75 years old. His very young associate, Zechariah, was evidently born in Babylonia into the priestly family of Iddo, his grandfather. It was Haggai and Zechariah, of course, who had initiated the renewal of the work which led to Tattenai’s letter and Darius’ decree. Now, over a four-month period, they will continue to encourage the construction effort. Through Haggai, God tells the people why they have been facing such economic problems. It is because they have set their own selfish interests as the highest priority rather than totally committing themselves to construction of the temple."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

God makes it clear that He must come first - yet by nature, we are selfish and self-centered, focusing on ourselves more so than God (and certainly not others). 

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who came to serve, ...me, and all of humanity.  You laid down Your life for me - incredible!  I am not deserving of such an act.  My sin continues...selfishness, 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. 

Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

1 Kings 2:13-3:1; 1 Kings 9:16; 1 Kings 3:2-4; 2 Chronicles 1:2-6; 1 Kings 3:5-14; 2 Chronicles 1:7-12; 1 Kings 3:15; 2 Chronicles 1:13; 1 Kings 3:16-28 

Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 1 Kings 3:8-10, 2 Chronicles 1:8-10

Day 130 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with the early days of Solomon's rule.  While Solomon initially spares Adonijah's life (see post yesterday), Adonijah still feels entitled to the throne (1 Kings 2:15) and requests Abishag (the beautiful caregiver for David late in his life - see 1 Kings 1) to be his wife.  Solomon sees through this selfish request and he executes Adonijah.  Solomon consolidates his power by also executing Joab and Shimei, and removed Abiathar from the priesthood - all disloyal to the throne.  Solomon then negotiates an alliance with Egypt and married Pharaoh's daughter.  Scripture then notes how "[t]he kingdom was now established in Solomon’s hands (1 Kings 2:46).  My commentary* indicates that "[b]ecause of these various political steps, Solomon’s reign begins with a calm hardly known by the former king [David]".

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.  

 

The Lord then appears to Solomon and grants him anything he requests and Solomon asks for wisdom. 

 

We should all seek God more than anything else in this world.  The world makes many promises and Paul is correct when he says: 

 

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:7-9 

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has blessed me beyond what words can describe - blessings that far surpass what I can experience through the world.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  I sin...daily, including gossip, selfishness, and worry.  I am grateful for Your mercy and compassion because I know I don't get what I deserve for such sin.  I need Your mercy every day.  Please forgive me for my sins today 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.

The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!”

2 Samuel 16:15-19:4 

The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 18:33

Day 102 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on David's physical battle with Absalom, Absalom's death in battle, and David's mourning over Absalom.

John MacArthur uses David's mourning as an example of David's humility or what he refers to as "power under control". MacArthur writes: 

"You know, at one time, Saul was – Saul was so out of control at one time, according to 1 Samuel 14, Saul was going to kill his own son on a minor issue, just to prove his power. On the other hand, when David’s son rebelled against him, David said he would rather die for Absalom’s sake, 2 Samuel 18:33. That’s the difference. Saul wouldn’t let himself be offended by anybody, even his own son. He’d kill him first. David could be offended by everybody, even his own son, and lose his own life first. That’s the difference. Power under control, the spirit that makes a man bow low before God and think nothing of himself".

We should all be mindful of the power we have in our lives - whether that be at work, in our family, etc. - and be careful of how we exercise our power as it was ours to use towards our own will.  We must temper our power with God's will.  Jesus does the same in the Gethsemane:

He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”  Matthew 26:42

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me beyond what I have ever imagined for my life - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving...by a long shot.  My sin 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.

He must become greater; I must become less.

John 3

He must become greater; I must become less. v30

I've spent time this weekend with my son Zach and there has been much discussion about the world, desires, and God's will for our lives.  We all have desires but we must surrender our lives and desires to Him and He must come first.  This is counter to the worldly view that we must pursue what we believe is important to ourselves - to follow our dreams.

We must understand that God has a plan for our lives and that we must align ourselves with this plan.  Alignment to God's plan for our lives is a process that involves renewal of the mind through daily study of His Word and prayer.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who has a plan for me that is great and I am amazed that You would use me - even though I am broken, etc.  Thank You Jesus.  I am undeserving of such a God.  I worry and I am selfish.  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 the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Luke 12

For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. v30-31

As a follow up to yesterday's post on money and wealth, today my reading continues in Luke 12 with Jesus words on worry - that we shouldn't!

I worry about all kinds of things - money, health, kids, etc.  God has certainly helped me with worry and I am grateful - but there is more room for refinement here!

I do love Jesus words in v30-31, which I have highlighted.  We should not "run after all such things" because our Father in Heaven knows what we need and if we seek His kingdom, [they] will be given to us!  Comforting indeed.

With regard to worrying about kids, which is much of my worry - God has helped me learn that I should focus on MY relationship with Him first and foremost and He will best direct me about how to direct and help my kids.  God comes first.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are an awesome God and You have helped me enormously with worry - thank You Jesus - yet I know there is work to be done because I continue to worry.  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.