Day 59 - Sanctuary Caretakers

Today's Reading: Numbers 4-5 and Acts 15

I was quite astounded to learn in yesterday's chapter that when the census was taken of the Levites, there were around 22,000 (Num. 3:39). I was thinking, "Wow! 22,000 to care for the sanctuary??" However, today I discovered that of those 22,000, only 8,580 men between the ages of 30-50 were active in caring for the Sanctuary.

Matthew Henry's in his commentary makes the following interesting observations:

There are unfortunately many in the Church who do not add to its service:

Observe—

1. That the Kohathites were in all eight thousand and six hundred, from a month old and upward: but of those there were but two thousand seven hundred and fifty serviceable men, not a third part. The Gershonites in all seven thousand and five hundred: and of them but two thousand six hundred and thirty serviceable men, little more than a third part. Note—Of the many that add to the numbers of the Church, there are comparatively but few that contribute to the service of it. So it has been, and so it is; many have a place in the tabernacle, that do but little of the work of the tabernacle (Php 2:20-21).

2. That the Merarites were but six thousand and two hundred in all; and yet of these there were three thousand and two hundred serviceable men, which were a good deal above half. The greatest burden lay upon that family, the boards, and pillars, and sockets. And God so ordered it, that though they were the fewest in number, yet they should have the most able men among them; for whatever service God calls men to, He will furnish them for it, and give strength in proportion to the work, grace sufficient.

3. The whole number of the able men of the tribe of Levi, which entered into God’s host to war His warfare, was but eight thousand five hundred and eighty; whereas the able men of the other tribes that entered into the host of Israel to war their warfare were many more. The least of the tribes had almost four times as many able men as the Levites, and some of them more than eight times as many. For those that are engaged in the service of this world, and war after the flesh, are many more than those that are devoted to the service of God, and fight the good fight of faith. (Matthew Henry, D. D.)

Finally... Notice the appointment of the individuals in Numbers 4:49—“Every one according to his service, and according to his burden.” By our varied gifts, positions, offices, and opportunities, we are as much set apart to special services as were the sons of Kohath. 

I love Ellen White's statement: "There is no limit to the usefulness of the one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God." Christian Service, p. 254

So... we may not be caring for a tabernacle building now as the Levites did, but we have an even more significant responsibility to care for the tabernacle of our heart -- for the Holy Spirit desires to dwell here! 

Tomorrow's Reading: Num. 6-7 and Psalm 26-27

Day 58 - The Sword that Divides!

Today's Reading: Num. 2-3 and Acts 14

In today's reading of Acts 14, we find a city divided over the preaching of the Apostles. And isn't that what happens today as well? Wherever the truth is preached, there is a divide...it's because the Word divides. The Bible tells us, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Heb. 4:12

Either we allow ourselves to be cut to the heart and are convicted to follow the Truth of God's Word, or we choose to oppose the Truth and fight against it. The same conflict that divided the city in the Apostles day is still dividing today.

"Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of love. When the doctrine we accept kills sin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement, bears fruit unto holiness, we may know that it is the truth of God. When benevolence, kindness, tenderheartedness, sympathy, are manifest in our lives; when thejoy of right doing is in our hearts; when we exalt Christ, and not self, we may know that our faith is of the right order. “Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” 1 John 2:3. (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings, p. 146)
It's interesting how quick people are to worship the creature rather than the Creator. We see how the people were slow to worship God, but they were quick to try to worship Paul and Barnabas when the lame man was healed. May we never take credit for any work--for all the glory belongs to God. I was also reminded of the quote from Inspiration that says, "The object of ministry is to keep self out of sight and to let Christ appear." (Manuscript 109, 1897) May this be our goal in all we do... to keep self out of sight and let Christ appear.

Tomorrow's Reading: Numbers 4-5 and Acts 15

Day 57 - A Sabbath for the Land?

Today's Reading: Lev. 27, Num. 1, Acts 13

In yesterday's reading of Leviticus 25 we read about the Sabbath that was to be given to the land every seven years. In today's reading of Leviticus 27, we read about redeeming people or property dedicated to God as well as tithing the fruit of the land. Personally it would be easier to comment on my reading of Acts 13! (Love the book of Acts!) But I was just reading some thoughts in inspiration regarding the "Sabbath for the land" spoken of in Leviticus 25, so I'm going to share here as these thoughts have helped me understand better what was going on in God's commands regarding care of the land. I've made bold a few parts that jumped out to me. (So this blog is kind of an addition to yesterday's thoughts! But I think it all flows together as we see the big picture.)

"The Lord presented to His people the course they must pursue if they would be a prosperous, independent nation. If they obeyed Him, He declared that health and peace would be theirs, and under His supervision the land would yield its increase. The tithing system was instituted by the Lord as the very best arrangement to help the people in carrying out the principles of the law. If this law were obeyed, the people would be entrusted with the entire vineyard, the whole earth. {Ms121-1899.14}

“Wherefore ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments,” He declared, “and ye shall dwell in the land in safety. And the land shall yield her fruit and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety. And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase; then will I command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years. And ye shall sow the eighth year, and eat yet of old fruit until the ninth year; until her fruits come in ye shall eat of the old store.” {Ms121-1899.15}

The children of Israel were given laws and regulations which would give all nations on the earth a true idea of God’s kingdom and government. As a nation, as families, as individuals, they were to obey these laws. They were to be a kingdom of priests and princes. Those who felt their entire dependence on God, looking to Him for instruction and relying upon Him for power to carry out His plans in the vineyard they were to cultivate, would receive the largest blessing and revenue. {Ms121-1899.16}

Adam and Eve lost Eden, and because of their sin the land was cursed; yet if God’s people obeyed His requirements and followed His directions in regard to tilling the soil, the land would be brought back to a prosperous and beautiful condition. Men were to cooperate with God in restoring the diseased land to health, that it might be a praise and a glory to His name. And as the land they possessed would if managed with skill and earnestness, produce its treasures, so their hearts, if controlled by God, would reflect His character. {Ms121-1899.17}

But if because of selfishness and covetousness men felt capable of managing without the wisdom of God, if they looked upon the land as their own, and refused to give it a sabbath, it would lose its vigor, and dearth and sickness would testify to their disobedience. {Ms121-1899.18}

In the laws which God gave for the cultivation of the soil, He was giving the people opportunity to overcome their selfishness and become heavenly-minded. Canaan would be to them as Eden if they obeyed the word of the Lord. Through them the Lord designed to teach all the nations of the world how to cultivate the soil so that it would yield healthy fruit, free from disease. The earth is the Lord’s vineyard, and is to be treated according to His plan. Those who cultivated the soil were to realize that they were doing God service. They were as truly in their lot and place as were the men appointed to minister in the priesthood and in work connected with the tabernacle. God told the people that the Levites were a gift to them, and no matter what their trade, they were to help to support them. Especially were those tilling the soil to bring in the rich treasures of the earth for the sustenance of the Levites. {Ms121-1899.19}

Interesting... I wonder if giving the land a "Sabbath" every seven years now would also be a benefit? I expect so... 

Tomorrow's Reading: Numbers 2-3 and Acts 14

Day 56 - Your Bread and Water shall be Sure!

Reading Lev. 25-26 and Psalm 25

As I was reading over Leviticus 26, I was reminded about the blessings that follow obedience to God and His Word. Two blessings that really spoke to my heart today were: Rain and Bread!

God promises to give RAIN to the obedient. Rain is what makes the crops grow and gives fruit. This could also be symbolic of the RAIN of the HOLY SPIRIT which is what gives us spiritual fruit for the Kingdom of God. Without this rain, nothing would grow… we would be destitute.

God also promises that those who keep His commandments and statutes shall eat bread to the full! This means that no one goes hungry. Spiritually speaking, Jesus is the Bread, and as we walk in Him, He will continually provide us with living bread. We will never go hungry, but will always be satisfied.

This promise to “eat bread to the full” reminds me of promise that God gave me a few years back when I was going through a difficult time. I’ve held tightly to this promise ever since. It comes from Deuteronomy 8, and says this:

"For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; A LAND WHEREIN THOU SHALT EAT BREAD WITHOUT SCARENESS, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass. When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee." (Deut. 8:7-10)

The verses in Leviticus also remind me of the promise of Isa. 33:16, "Bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure." (Isa. 33:16)

We don’t deserve God’s goodness in our lives. We don’t deserve the water and bread that He sent from Heaven on our behalf... But He sent it anyway! And I’m so grateful! 

Tomorrow's Reading: Lev. 27, Numbers 1, and Acts 13

Day 55 - The Sleep of Peace

Today's Reading Lev. 23-24 and Acts 12

Today I'm going to break away from my Old Testament blogging and move to Acts. This is one of my favorite stories in Acts... when King Herod angrily captures Peter, intending to kill him and make a spectacle of him. But the church prayed... they prayed passionately, earnestly, and God intervened, the night before the schedule execution.

I love what Inspiration has to say about this story. I have made bold specific points that I think are so amazing!

"The day of Peter’s execution was at last appointed; but still the prayers of the believers ascended to Heaven. And while all their energies and sympathies were called out in fervent appeals, angels of God were guarding the imprisoned apostle. Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. Peter was placed between two soldiers, and was bound by two chains, each chain being fastened to the wrist of one of his guard. He was therefore unable to move without their knowledge. The prison doors were securely fastened, and a strong guard was placed before them. All chance of rescue or escape, by human means, was thus cut off.

The apostle was not intimidated by his situation. Since his re-instatement after his denial of Christ, he had unflinchingly braved danger, and manifested a noble courage and boldness in preaching a crucified, risen, and ascended Saviour. He now called to mind the words of Jesus addressed to him: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.” He believed the time had now come when he was to yield up his life for Christ’s sake.

The night before his appointed execution, Peter, bound with chains, slept [Note: can you imagine SLEEPING in such a situation??] between the two soldiers, as usual. Herod, remembering the escape of Peter and John from prison, where they had been confined because of their faith, took double precautions on this occasion. The soldiers on guard, in order to secure their extra vigilance, were made answerable for the safe-keeping of the prisoner. He was bound, as has been described, in a cell of massive rock, the doors of which were bolted and barred. Sixteen men were detailed to guard this cell, relieving each other at regular intervals. Four comprised the watch at one time. But the bolts and bars, and Roman guard, which effectually cut off from the prisoner a possibility of human aid, were only to result in making the triumph of God more complete in Peter’s deliverance from prison. Herod was lifting his hand against Omnipotence, and he was to be utterly humiliated and defeated in his attempt upon the life of the servant of God. 

On this last night before the execution, a mighty angel, commissioned from Heaven, descended to rescue him. The strong gates which shut in the saint of God, open without the aid of human hands; the angel of the Most High enters, and they close again noiselessly behind him. He enters the cell, hewn from the solid rock, and there lies Peter, sleeping the blessed, peaceful sleep of innocence and perfect trust in God, while chained to a powerful guard on either side of him. The light which enveloped the angel illuminated the prison, but did not waken the sleeping apostle. His was the sound repose that invigorates and renews, and that comes of a good conscience." 3rd Volume, Spirit of Prophecy, p. 337-338

The angel awakes Peter and he is set free in one of the most miraculous prison rescues of all time.

The rest of the story, as it continues in the Spirit of Prophecy, is fascinating, but I won't post it here for sake of space. But I love how "Man's extremity is God's opportunity!" What courage that can give us for today's trials. I also love how Peter slept so peacefully. He had once slept instead of praying and as a result had denied Jesus three times, but now he sleeps in perfect peace that he has stood for Jesus! May our testimony be the same if we have to endure such a test. 

Tomorrow's Reading: Lev. 25-26 and Psalm 25

Day 54 - Reform or Heart Reform?

Today's Reading: Lev. 21-22 and Acts 11

Wow! This is some heavy duty reading. And if the laws for the children of Israel seemed strict, the laws for the priest were even more so, as today’s reading shows. 

When it came to the priest’s attitude, word, dress or action, nothing but perfection was accepted. In fact, we see that if any of the priest’s descendants had any blemishes at all, which included anything from a crooked back or flat nose, they were not to come near the holy place to make offerings.

While the physical ceremonial laws are no longer binding, Leviticus 21 and 22 still give a solemn picture of the sacred responsibility that “priest” or “leaders in the house of God” hold. As shepherds of the flock and examples to the people, it’s even more vital that they be seeking purity of heart, for they touch the sacred things of God. During Israel’s journey through the wilderness, if the whole congregation sinned, the Elders were the ones called forward to take responsibility for the sin, even if they themselves were not guilty (Lev 4:15). At the time of the end, we are told that those who have not taught the truth will bear the responsibility for the sins of their congregations. In Ezekiel’s day, when destruction was commanded, the slayer was to begin at the house of God, destroying first those spiritual leaders that had been unfaithful. (Ezek 9:6) And so it will be in the final Day of Judgment, for judgment always begins at the house of God.

As I read these chapters I also see how often the Israelites put the “form” before the “heart reform.” (Haven't we done the same?) They thought if they gave the offering, it was good enough. But God said “No! Your obedience is more important than your sacrifice.” (I Sam 15:22) Otherwise you miss the whole point. And the point is, sin cannot exist in the presence of God! It separates us from God. It holds back the Holy Spirit. It corrupts the service we render. As the Bible tells us in Isaiah 59:2, sin even keeps God from hearing us. But worst of all, as long as we hold on to sin, He cannot save us!

My prayer is that we would not profane the worship due our God with a mere “form of godliness.” Let’s put aside all pretense, pretending, and all that which is profane, and let us ask Him to reform our hearts today that the blessing of His Holy Spirit may truly fall upon us!

Tomorrow's Reading: Lev. 23-24 and Acts 12

Day 53 - Remember, I am the Lord your God!

Today's Reading: Lev. 19-20

In Leviticus 19, I see God bringing attention back to the Ten Commandments, as well as expounding upon and re-emphasizing various laws. The theme of the first four commandments can be summarized in verse 2, “Holiness to the Lord” while the theme of the last 6 commandments can be summarized in verse 18, “Honor to our fellowman.” However, it’s interesting that the first commandments emphasized in this line of reminders from Exodus 20 is a combination of “honor to parents” and “honor of the Sabbath.”

Unfortunately, we as God’s people (both in ancient times and today) have the tendency to forget where we came from and who we should worship.  And so God is constantly bringing our focus back to home base. “Remember where you came from and respect your parents. But even beyond them, remember me, your heavenly parent! I created you. You came from ME! Your worship and allegiance belongs alone to me, for I am the Lord your God.”

Throughout this chapter I found that “I am the Lord” is repeated 15 times, at the end of every command.  It’s as if God is showing us that these aren’t just restrictive laws, but they are representations of His very character and heart. Let’s take a closer look:

I am the Lord of your beginnings, both physically and spiritually, don’t forget that (vs. 3). I am not a God made of stone. I am the Lord that lives and ever liveth for you (vs. 4). I am the God that gives you all things that pertain to life and godliness.  My kingdom is based on truth, not lies (vs. 11). My name is holy, just as my character is holy, and my name cannot be used to cover your life of sin (vs. 12). I am the God that forgives you thousands of times over. You have no excuse to withhold the forgiveness I have given you from others (vs. 18). I took the cuttings in my flesh so that you would not need to. Don’t mock my sacrifice (vs. 28). I take care of the poor, the weak, and the outcast. So should you for, you may have forgotten but, you were once one of them (vs. 10,20,32,34). I am the God of righteous judgment. I am just. However, I am also a God of mercy…and instead of leaving you to the life of slavery that you deserved, I have delivered you (vs. 36). Now I have given you these statutes to remain free. Don’t forget them, but keep them (vs. 37). But above all else, remember, I am the Lord your God, and there is none else! Worship me!

Psalm 23-24 also gave beautiful reminders of the God and king we serve! He is our Shepherd that provides for our daily needs, and He is our King of glory that has come to deliver us....WOW! 

Praying that the Lord will help us worship Him with a grateful heart today!

Tomorrow's Reading: Lev. 21-22 and Acts 11

Day 52 - Cover Your Nakedness!

Today's Reading: Lev. 17-18 and Acts 10

God has called His people to be set-apart for Him. That means they must not practice the abominations of Egypt, but also must guard against taking on the lustful practices of Canaan, the country they would be entering.  In Leviticus 18, I see that God, in order to protect His people from being defiled, is beginning to put a system of ordinances into place that will safeguard the sanctity of the family and of marriage, and most importantly, the sanctity of the heart.

As Paul says in 1 Thes 4:3-4,7, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor  For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” 

I believe this is the key thought behind this whole chapter in Leviticus.  “Israel, listen, you must not defile yourselves as the other nations around you do. I’ve called you to a higher standard. It’s the heavenly standard, and it’s called holiness to the Lord, for as He is, so should you be" (Lev 18:24, Ex 28:36). 

The devil is in the business of uncovering our spiritual nakedness. It was true in Bible times, and unfortunately, it’s true today as well.  But God is in the business of trying to help His people cover the spiritual nakedness of their hearts as well as their bodies.  Of course, we cant cover ourselves any more than Adam and Eve’s could using fig leaf aprons. Our righteousness is filthy rages. So a lamb was slain, and we inherited Christ’s cloak of perfect righteousness. 

Nakedness does not separate us from God, it shows us our need to be covered and cleansed, and God is ready and willing to do this. “While we were yet sinners (or while we were yet naked) Christ died for us!” (Rom 5:8).  In Romans 8:35 it says, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”  No, none of these.  It is our refusing to be covered that separates us from God!

These chapters have really convicted me afresh for my need of Christ covering. I'm reminded of Revelation 3:18, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear."

Tomorrow's Reading: Lev. 19-20 and Ps. 23-24 

Day 51 - We have a Bleeding Problem!

Today's Reading: Lev. 15-16 and Acts. 9

In Leviticus 15 we have the laws given concerning bodily discharges and the bleeding of women. Of course, this is a uncomfortable topic that we try to avoid in any Bible discussion or any other discussion for that matter. For one it's just plain embarrassing. However, the reality is that we ALL, even today, are bleeding from the results of sin. (Because we are sinners, but also because we keep sinning!) Do these daily sins embarrass us? Are we as mortified over the slip of our angry tongue with a loved one, over the little comprises of selfishness, over the self-righteousness we feel in our hearts toward others, over the doubt that limits our faith...are we as mortified over these things as we would be over exposing a physical bloody discharge for others to see? We should be! Do we recognize how stinky our self-righteousness is, and how desperately we need be purified and made clean? 

"The children of God should cultivate a keen sensitiveness to sin.... It is one of Satan’s most successful devices to lead men to the commission of little sins, to blind the mind to the danger of little indulgences, little digressions from the plainly stated requirements of God. Many who would shrink with horror from some great transgression are led to look upon sin in little matters as of trifling consequence. But these little sins eat out the life of godliness in the soul.... " That I May Know Him, p. 252

In other words, it is the bleeding issues that are eating out the godliness of our lives. Sin is no laughing matter... I remember reading something a little while back on social media that said, "Is your sin, the one you keep going back to, worth putting Christ back on the cross?" In other words, do we recognize that our sins wound Him afresh, even today? (See Heb. 6:6). We need to be made clean of our bleeding problem. 

That's why the Day of Atonement is so significant! In Leviticus 16 we catch a glimpse of what a “Day of Atonement” experience was all about.

"And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD." Lev. 16:29-30

Leviticus 23 expounds upon this day even more:

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people." Lev. 23:27-29 

The Day of Atonement was when the sanctuary was cleansed. This happened once a year in Old Testament times. As Adventist, we believe from the Bible that we are living in the actual Heavenly Day of Atonement, before the final cleansing of the earth—our world. This means, we need to be afflicting our souls, searching our hearts as never before and making sure every sin has been confessed. It also means that we need to be living up to the light God has given us in His Word (John 14:15, 1 John 5:2,3)—not in order to be saved, for we can never be saved by righteous living—but to prepare us for heaven. It’s this experience that prepares us to receive the Latter Rain. It is this experience that is preparing us to meet Jesus!

Oh what a solemn time we are living in TODAY! Praise the Lord for His blood that will heal us of our bleeding problems, and of our sin!

Tomorrow's Reading: Lev. 17-18 and Acts. 10

Day 50 - Modern Day Leprosy

Today's Reading: Lev. 13-14 and Acts 8

Today's reading in Leviticus had much to say about the disease of leprosy and how to deal with lepers. There was even a plan given by God for cleaning leprous houses and garments. (I had forgotten about these details.)

As I was reading this morning, I began thinking about modern day leprosy, the leprosy of sin, the leprosy of a selfish heart, the leprosy of greed, the leprosy of bad attitudes and negativity, the leprosy of pride. Without the cleansing blood of Christ, without His renewing us from the inside out, these diseases spread even worse than physical leprosy.

Let me share several quotes that have come back to mind with today's thoughts.

"The leprosy of selfishness has taken hold of the Church. The Lord Jesus Christ will heal the Church of this terrible disease if she will be healed. The remedy is found in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah." Review and Herald, December 10, 1901, par. 5

Speaking of when Miriam - Moses sister came down with leprosy...

"He to whom the hearts of all men are as an open book, read the hidden motives. He saw that the heart was leprous with sin, and he caused the plague of the heart to be revealed in the dreadful judgment of physical leprosy. As leprosy was sure death if permitted to take its natural course, so the leprosy of sin would destroy the soul unless the sinner received the healing of the grace of God." Signs of the Times, March 14, 1892, par. 8}

The healing lepers received by Jesus in Bible times is the same healing we need today...

"In laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,—deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. “The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores.” Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean,” shall hear the answer, “I will; be thou made clean.” Matthew 8:2-3 Desire of Ages, p. 266.1 

There is power in the Word of God.... It is here that we find the remedy for the leprosy of sin!

"The word of God may be compared to a treasure-house, and the more we search it, the more we find its hidden riches. Here we may behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. It is in the word of God that we find encouragement to turn our eyes to Christ, to lift up our voice in hope and expectation, saying, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” It is in the word of God that we find what is the effectual remedy for the leprosy of sin. Here it is that we see the ransom that has been provided, hear the gracious invitation, and look upon the mercy of God, that has no parallel, toward those who are rebels and enemies." Signs of the Times, July 2, 1896, par. 4

All we need to do is go to Jesus! He will heal us! I take comfort in the promise of John 6:37, "Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out." That means, Jesus will never turn us away. He is our remedy to the leprosy of sin and selfishness that threatens to destroy our lives. Praise the Lord!

Tomorrow's Reading:  Lev. 15-16 and Acts 9

Day 49 - The Danger of Strange Fire!

Today's Reading: Lev. 10-12 and Psalm 22

In Leviticus 10, I am once again reminded of the difference between the sacred and common fire. Nahdab and Abihu tried to worship God with common fire, and they died as a result. 

The book Patriarchs and Prophets really helps me understand what happened more clearly:

"At the hour of worship, as the prayers and praise of the people were ascending to God, two of the sons of Aaron took each his censer and burned fragrant incense thereon, to rise as a sweet odor before the Lord. But they transgressed His command by the use of “strange fire.” For burning the incense they took common instead of the sacred fire which God Himself had kindled, and which He had commanded to be used for this purpose. For this sin a fire went out from the Lord and devoured them in the sight of the people." (p. 359)

Why did God take such drastic measures against them for this sin? Ellen White goes on to write the following:

"God designed to teach the people that they must approach Him with reverence and awe, and in His own appointed manner. He cannot accept partial obedience. It was not enough that in this solemn season of worship nearly everything was done as He had directed. God has pronounced a curse upon those who depart from His commandments, and put no difference between common and holy things. He declares by the prophet: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness! ... woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! ... which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! ... They have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 5:20-24. Let no one deceive himself with the belief that a part of God’s commandments are nonessential, or that He will accept a substitute for that which He has required. Said the prophet Jeremiah, “Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?” Lamentations 3:37. God has placed in His word no command which men may obey or disobey at will and not suffer the consequences. If men choose any other path than that of strict obedience, they will find that “the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12. – (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 360)

The Bible tells us, “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Corinthians 3:17. Basically Nahdab and Abihu defiled the temple... Anything that defiles will be cast out! Jesus purged the temple when He walked on earth because they were mixing the sacred with the common... This is still our problem today. Jesus wants to purify the temple of our hearts! Many sobering lessons to learn from these passages.

Tomorrow's Reading: Lev. 13-14 and Acts 8

Day 48 - The Significance of the Right Hand

Today's Reading: Lev. 8-9 and Acts 7

In Leviticus 8:22 we find a very interesting and significant part of the consecration service of Aaron and his sons.

"And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram. And he slew it; and Moses took of the blood of it, and put it upon the tip of Aaron's right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot. And he brought Aaron's sons, and Moses put of the blood upon the tip of their right ear, and upon the thumbs of their right hands, and upon the great toes of their right feet: and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about."

My friend Eric Ludy brings out some interesting thoughts about the significance of the "Right Side" of the body which came back to my mind as I was reading this chapter in Leviticus. So I will share some of his thoughts here as it really has opened my eyes to the spiritual significance of what is happening:

In God’s mysterious language, the right side of the body denotes far more than a mere compass direction or physical appendage; it denotes strength, power, salvation, control, will, lordship, kingship, holiness, cleanliness, correctness, correction, social propriety, honor, and wisdom. Therefore, if man claims this “right side” of his being and refuses to release it unto God, he is despising the offer of God’s strength, power, salvation, control, will, lordship, kingship, holiness, cleanliness, correctness, correction, heavenly propriety, honor, and wisdom and is determining to seek those things by means of his own machinations. Therefore, the right side of one’s being must be relinquished in order for man to become as he ought to be.

Humanism emphasizes the natural born rights of man for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These inborn, inherent, innate rights of man are reasonable and proper to uphold in a human society. But God’s business is pressing us into a heavenly, and not an earthly, society – a heavenly and not earthly, pattern for living. Every man has these reasonable and naturally inherited possessions – a right to control, decide his course, engineer his outcome, design and build his fortune and fame, create and stimulate his happiness and pleasure, keep or relinquish his assets. But as long as man holds onto this perceived right, he cannot enter into the pattern of Jesus Christ, who asks for everything, including even that which is reasonable to keep, to be poured out as a sacrifice upon the alter of devotion. Therefore, the natural born inherent rights of man must be relinquished in order for man to become as he ought to be.

Man has a way which he perceives to be correct and proper, but God must prove that Man’s opinion is unholy and wholly unlike his own. God must redefine “correctness” in man’s existence. God’s ways appear foolishness to man’s natural mind, but in reality, God’s ways are “right and correct” and it is Man’s ways that are actually foolish, incorrect, and wrong. The “right” idea, is, by Scriptural definition, the perfect and inviolable opinion of God; never wrong, never perverted, never polluted, and always, without exception correct – God is right, His Word is right, His Word become Flesh is right, and everything that opposes this “right,” is without exception always wrong. Therefore, the “way that seems right to man” must be relinquished in order for man to become as he ought to be.

Just consider the following Bible verses: "There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 14:12 "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD ponders the hearts." Proverbs 21:2

In Biblical culture, the Right hand is the hand of blessing, the holy arm. The Bible portrays it as the Sacred Hand, the Correct Hand, the Helping-Rescuing Hand, the Ruling Hand, The Hand of Power, the Hand of War, the Hand of Righteousness.

The natural disposition of man is dependence upon his own strength, his own wisdom, his own will-power, his own machinations to rescue him upon this earth. The right hand of man is symbolic of the scepter of man’s kingdom, the branch grown out of the root of selfishness. When the root is pulled up and Christ is planted, then a new scepter, a new rod grows forth – the right hand of the Most High, the right scepter, the righteous strength of Almighty God laboring on behalf of his children.

That's why we need God to rescue us, to take possession of our right/rights and make us new creatures in Him.

[Note: If you study out all the times you see the "Right hand/Right arm of the Lord" etc used in Scripture, it's quite eye-opening. Wow!]

Tomorrow's Reading: Lev. 10-12 and Psalms 22

Day 47 - Broken Vessels

Today's Reading: Lev. 6-7 and Acts 6

It's sobering to realize that the laws of "Restitution" spoken by God where: When something stolen, it should not only be restored, but restored 5X! Wow, this should sure discourage any thief from ever stealing anything again! It seems God wants to give us such a big lesson that we will never repeat the sin again.

The Great Controversy states: "There is no evidence of genuine repentance unless it works reformation. If he restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, confess his sins, and love God and his fellow men, the sinner may be sure that he has found peace with God." p. 462

Also, thinking of what CHRIST has done for us I see that in forgiveness He gives us back 5X more mercy than we deserve, and THEN SOME and MUCH MORE!! Wow!! What an amazing merciful Lord who doesn't give us what we deserve (eternal death), but eternal life and then MUCH MUCH MORE!!!!

I found it kinda disgusting when I read Lev. 6:26 that the priest were suppose to eat of the sin offering. I wonder if this is to remind them and the whole congregation how truly disgusting sin is? Wow! What a bitter task for the priest. It also points to Jesus in the fact that He drank the bitter cup. He tasted the bitterness of the sin offering... So we don't have to!

Interesting that whatever earthen vessel the sin offering touched, that vessel must be broken. Isn't that what is to happen to us when we accept CHRIST sacrifice on our behalf? We are to be broken earthen vessels, so He can remake us and reshape us for His glory.

I'm loving the readings in Acts.... And it was exciting to read in Acts 6 today that as the Word of God spread, the number of disciples grew... and that included A GREAT MANY OF THE PRIEST WHO WERE OBEDIENT TO THE FAITH. We automatically assume that the priest/leaders/pastors should already be obedient to the faith if they are in such position. But this just reminds me that that sacrifice made by Christ is working in all our hearts. And we need to pray for their conversion as well as our own. 

Tomorrow's Reading: Lev. 8-9 and Acts. 7

Day 46 - From Unclean to Clean

Today's Reading: Lev. 4-5 and Psalm 20-21

In Leviticus 4 we see provision made for sins of ignorance. I noticed that the blood was to be sprinkled seven times before the veil in Holy Place. (I wonder if there's any connection to forgiving seventy times seven here!)

Then the sacrifice was to be burned outside the camp. Interesting that Jesus was crucified outside the camp... outside Jerusalem!

When all of Israel sinned ignorantly than the elders of the congregation were to come forward and take responsibility by putting their hands on the bullock to be killed. (Interesting that the elders, not women and wives, were the ones who had to take responsibility for the sin of Israel, or the sin of the congregation.)

In Leviticus 5 we find Sin Offerings and Trespass Offerings:

God seems to have offering for every type of sin... It's not always the same type of offering. (Much more study could be done here!) I also love how God made provision even for poor.... "Bring a lamb, but if you can't bring that, bring a turtle dove, if you can't bring that, bring flour without oil and frankincense."

There were also offerings for those that sinned in ignorance. This shows the beautiful mercy of God.

Love this quote from Ministry of Healing:

"If in our ignorance we make missteps, the Saviour does not forsake us. We need never feel that we are alone. Angels are our companions. The Comforter that Christ promised to send in His name abides with us. In the way that leads to the City of God there are no difficulties which those who trust in Him may not overcome. There are no dangers which they may not escape. There is not a sorrow, not a grievance, not a human weakness, for which He has not provided a remedy." (Ministry of Healing, p. 249)

What courage and hope this gives me. Of course today we are no longer called to make physical sacrifices. Rather we are to offer a sacrifice of a broken and humble heart. This is the offering God most desires. And when we confess our sins, He covers us with His righteousness and makes us pure and white, white as snow. How beautiful the transformation!

Tomorrow's Reading: Lev. 6-7 and Acts 6

Day 45 - Seasoned with Salt

Today's Reading: Lev. 1-3 and Acts 5

In Leviticus we switch from the building of the tabernacle to the different types of offerings. I don't understand the significance of all the different types of offerings (would be good to study these out more), although of course, I know they all point to Jesus in some way.

I thought it was interesting that the grain offering was to be seasoned with SALT. "‘And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt; you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt." (Lev. 2:13)

This is what Desire of Ages says about the salt:

"In the ritual service, salt was added to every sacrifice. This, like the offering of incense, signified that only the righteousness of Christ could make the service acceptable to God. Referring to this practice, Jesus said, “Every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.” “Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” All who would present themselves “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1), must receive the saving salt, the righteousness of our Saviour. Then they become “the salt of the earth,” restraining evil among men, as salt preserves from corruption. Matthew 5:13. But if the salt has lost its savor; if there is only a profession of godliness, without the love of Christ, there is no power for good. The life can exert no saving influence upon the world. Your energy and efficiency in the upbuilding of My kingdom, Jesus says, depend upon your receiving of My Spirit. You must be partakers of My grace, in order to be a savor of life unto life. Then there will be no rivalry, no self-seeking, no desire for the highest place. You will have that love which seeks not her own, but another’s wealth." (Desire of Ages, p. 439)

In Leviticus 3 we see that no fat or blood should be eaten. In fact, the Bible says, all the "fat" is the Lords.

I think FAT/FLESH could be another symbol for the excessive spiritual baggage and sins that we hold on to. We don't need them, but we clutch them selfishly as idols until we are dragging around all kinds of idols, and God says "No!!! You don't need that selfishness anymore! You don't need that spiritual pride anymore! You don't need that gluttony anymore! You don't need all those materialistic things that take your eyes off me anymore. You need to let the baggage go! You need to let the FAT OF SIN go. Lay it upon the altar!"

"It shall be a perpetual statue for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat not blood." Lev. 3:17

In Acts of the Apostles it says, "God had given these injunctions to the Jews for the purpose of preserving their health. The Jews regarded it as sinful to use blood as an article of diet. They held that the blood was the life, and that the shedding of blood was in consequence of sin." (p. 191)

From a medical standpoint, it is the blood that contains the diseases of the body, so this is even more important why we shouldn't eat blood. CHRIST blood is the only blood we should drink...figuratively, of course.

1 Cor. 11:23-26, "After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."

Powerful! 

Dear Lord May we surrender the FAT today! May we surrender the DISEASED blood of the flesh and drink Your Living blood; The blood that heals us of all our disease. May all our offerings be covered with the SALT of Your righteousness.

[PS: I feel bad not commenting on Acts 5 -- so many lessons there as well. But again, I'm focusing on only a few brief nuggets to comment on each day. But the reality is that each reading of God's Word opens a vast Treasure Chest of which there is no end to its depth. It's beautiful! I'm so enjoying this reading program outlined in Dr. Hasel's book, Longing for God.]  

Tomorrows Reading: Lev. 4-5 and Psalms 20-21

Day 44 - Consecrate Your Tabernacle to God!

Today's Reading: Ex. 39-40 and Acts 4

Here's a few insights from the final chapter of Exodus:

I noticed they set up and consecrated the tabernacle the first day of month. Reminded me how the first part of each day we should dedicate and consecrate our tabernacle (our life) to God.

"Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, 'Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.' This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ." (Steps to Christ, p. 70)

The placement of each piece of furniture in the courtyard and inside the tabernacle is significant. Here's some examples: The Altar of Burnt offerings was placed right at the door into the tabernacle courtyard. This symbolizes how Jesus blood is the door to salvation and eternal life.

John 14:6 says, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Acts 4:12 (also in today's reading) compliments this: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Yes, people try to get to heaven via other means and other roads. Some try to say that we don't need to confess our sins to be saved and that Jesus accepts us just as we are. But this is very clear. There's only one pathway to Gods throne, and that's thru the cleansing blood of Christ. But that blood will not cover if we do not confess....Soooo powerful!

Notice the placement of laver... Btw altar of sacrifice and tabernacle. Again I'm reminded that not only must we confess our sins and be covered by the blood of Christ, but we must also be baptized...and we must allow CHRIST to cleanse us and change us and sanctify us...make us new creatures in Him!

I see a lot of anointing oil used in this chapter. Oil represents the Holy Spirit. It's important to realize that in and of themselves, the objects of furniture in the Sanctuary were just that... furniture! But for there to be power, they most be anointed by the Holy Spirit. The same is with us. We are just human instruments, human furniture...but it is when Gods Spirit falls upon us and anoints us that we become truly effective for His Kingdom.

Notice the placement of Ark of Incense... Although separated by a veil, it was to be right in front of Ark of Covenant ... Just as Jesus stands right before God's throne interceding on our behalf!

I love Love LOVE the last part of this chapter!

After Moses had done all the things that God commanded, the Bible tells us: "Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle."

This verse reminds me of what happened when years later, Solomon was dedicating his temple to God.

1 Kings 8:10-11 says, "And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord, So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord."

This is powerful and it so convicts my heart! It reminds me, that when we are truly emptied of self, God's spirit will so flow thru our lives that it will not be us that does the work, but God thru us. In fact, we will not be able to do any work of ourselves. God will take complete control!

"There is no limit to the usefulness of the one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God." (The Southern Watchman, August 1, 1905)

Tomorrow's Reading: Lev. 1-3, and Acts 5

Day 43 - The Mercy Seat

Today's Reading: Exodus 37-38 and Acts 3

In today's reading, I see more specific instructions for different parts of the sanctuary furniture, specifically for the Ark of the Covenant. Reading Patriarchs and Prophets really gives a deeper depth and understanding to how significant this Ark of the Covenant was.

"Beyond the inner veil was the holy of holies, where centered the symbolic service of atonement and intercession, and which formed the connecting link between heaven and earth. In this apartment was the ark, a chest of acacia wood, overlaid within and without with gold, and having a crown of gold about the top. It was made as a depository for the tables of stone, upon which God Himself had inscribed the Ten Commandments. Hence it was called the ark of God’s testament, or the ark of the covenant, since the Ten Commandments were the basis of the covenant made between God and Israel.

The cover of the sacred chest was called the mercy seat. This was wrought of one solid piece of gold, and was surmounted by golden cherubim, one standing on each end. One wing of each angel was stretched forth on high, while the other was folded over the body (see Ezekiel 1:11) in token of reverence and humility. The position of the cherubim, with their faces turned toward each other, and looking reverently downward toward the ark, represented the reverence with which the heavenly host regard the law of God and their interest in the plan of redemption.

Above the mercy seat was the Shekinah, the manifestation of the divine Presence; and from between the cherubim, God made known His will. (Above reading was from Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 348-349)

I love how God met the children of Israel at the Mercy Seat. His is a throne of Mercy! Praise the Lord!

Tomorrow's Reading: Ex. 39-40 and Acts 4

Day 42 - You've Given Enough!

Today's Reading: Ex. 35-36 and Psalm 19

It's amazing that when the children of Israel were invited to give freewill offerings for the building of the tabernacle, that they gave so much that Moses had to send out an announcement for them to STOP GIVING!

"And the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done--indeed too much." Ex. 36:7

What a contrast to how it is in our own lives today. We are such stingy Christians on so many fronts. Stingy in giving our time, our tithe, our thank offerings and most of all our love and adoration for our King. The problem is not so much the lack of gifts, but the lack of heart behind the giving. When we love someone, we want to give... we can't help but give... and we keep on giving...

Thankfully God keeps on giving despite our stinginess. His mercies are new every morning. He is so faithful, and He shows us this in a thousand ways.

I simply LOVE Psalms 19... "The heaven's declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork." As we look up at the stars we see evidence of the majesty of the God whom we serve. If He cares about the stars, and yet He cares about the Sparrows, I know He cares about me. What courage and comfort that gives me.

I appreciate this quote from the book Longing for God: "In this the Bible resembles the night sky; the longer you look, the more stars there are." The longer we gaze at the heavens, the more we see of God's love! And He is good... in fact, the darker the night, the more His goodness appears!

Tomorrow's Reading: Ex. 37-38, and Acts 3

Day 41 - Cut to the Heart

Today's Reading: Ex. 33-34 and Acts 2

In Acts 2 we see the Holy Spirit fall in a mighty way upon the disciples and believers. As a result, Peter gets up and begins to preach and everyone understands in their own language. Because the Holy Spirit is with Peter's preaching, those listening are "cut to the heart." In other words, they are CONVICTED!!

As I was reading this today I was thinking about what happens when we are CONVICTED by the Holy Spirit. We have two options. We can respond to that conviction, repent and confess our sins and we can begin to walk a new way. Or we can harden our heart to that conviction and wait for a more convenient time to obey and follow the call. (Which usually never comes!)

Ps. 95:8 says, "Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness." Then Hebrews 3:15 says, "While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation." Isn't it interesting how we are reminded, "When the Spirit calls, don't harden your heart like the children of Israel did in the wilderness." (We were just reading about their harden heart's yesterday!)

Consider the following from Inspiration on what it means to have true repentance in response to the "cut-to-heart" conviction:

"How shall a person be just with God? How shall the sinner be made righteous? It is only through Christ that we can be brought into harmony with God, with holiness; but how are we to come to Christ? Many are asking the same question as did the multitude on the day of Pentecost, when, convicted of sin, they cried out, “What shall we do?” The first word of Peter’s answer was “Repent” (Acts 2:37, 38). At another time, shortly after, he said, “Repent ..., and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19). 

Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart there will be no real change in the life. 

There are many who fail to understand the true nature of repentance. Multitudes sorrow that they have sinned and even make an outward reformation because they fear that their wrongdoing will bring suffering upon themselves. But this is not repentance in the Bible sense. They lament the suffering rather than the sin. Such was the grief of Esau when he saw that the birthright was lost to him forever. Balaam, terrified by the angel standing in his pathway with drawn sword, acknowledged his guilt lest he should lose his life; but there was no genuine repentance for sin, no conversion of purpose, no abhorrence of evil.  

But when the heart yields to the influence of the Spirit of God, the conscience will be quickened, and the sinner will discern something of the depth and sacredness of God’s holy law, the foundation of His government in heaven and on earth.... [The sinner] sees the love of God, the beauty of holiness, the joy of purity; [and] longs to be cleansed and to be restored to communion with Heaven." Be Like Jesus, p. 361

Let's pray that as God cuts our heart with His Word today, that we will not harden our heart, as the children of Israel did, but that we will repent and be converted like those in the book of Acts! Yes, we all need to be converted afresh daily... MYSELF first of all!

Tomorrow's Reading: Ex. 35-36 and Psalm 19 

Day 40 - The Golden Calf Catastrophe

Today's Reading: Ex. 31-32 and Acts 1

God has just done wondrous things for the children of Israel and He's given them His law from Mount Sinai, and the people have promised, "All that You've said we will do!"

Then Moses goes back up the mountain to talk with God and he doesn't come back down right away! He is delayed... and so the children of Israel get panicky and decide to take things into their own hands. They decide to build a back-up plan since it seems that Moses has forsaken them. So they ask Aaron to make a golden calf that can lead them out of the wilderness. Next we know they are looking at this golden calf as they proclaim, "This is our god that has brought us out of the land of Egypt." (WHAT??? DID WE JUST READ THAT CORRECTLY?)

This story is so puzzling... for one that they could forget God so quickly and were so quick to revert back to their idols, and for two that Aaron, who should have been holding the standard high, didn't seem to object. He just goes right along with it! Isn't he the one who was the mouth piece for Moses this whole time of deliverance! Wasn't he supposed to be the high priest?

Yet how fast we are prone to do the same. We may not make an engraved calf to worship, but when it seems like God isn't coming through for us, when it seems like the answer to our prayers our desires our hopes is delayed, instead of waiting and trusting on God the ONE who has promised, the ONE who cannot fail, we quickly begin to build a back-up plan. It's really a back-up god. It's a golden calf of self. Oh Lord forgive us!

When Moses does eventually come down, he asks Aaron how he could do this, Aaron's response is perplexing as well. "Well the people gave me their gold and I put it into the fire, and out came a calf! Poof! Just like that!" Hmmmm....

God is merciful. Moses prayed and God forgave, although about 3,000 lost their lives that day as a result of their idolatry. But the nation of Israel was not blotted out, because someone stood up as an intercessor on their behalf! Praise God we have an Intercessor in heaven standing on our behalf.

Tomorrow's Reading: Ex. 33-34 and Acts 2

Day 39 - God's Perfume Recipes!

Today's Reading: Ex. 29-30 and Matt. 28

In Exodus 30 God introduced sweet-smelling anointing oil into the sanctuary service, starting in verse 23, and then sweet smelling incense starting in verse 34.

As I look at the Old Testament Sanctuary service, I see how God engages all five senses in the process. The Israelites witnessed the death of the sacrifice. They heard the dying animals and trumpet blasts. The priests ate the shewbread and had specific instructions on needing to be clean before they could touch parts of the sanctuary. Now we have sweet anointing oil with a strong fragrance that was so holy that anyone who copied it to smell outside the sanctuary would be "cut off" verse 38. 

God even gave the recipe for the holy perfume--anointing oil!!!! But as this chapter shows, it's meant to consecrate the tabernacle items and not to be used for selfish purposes. Of course, Jesus is THE PERFUME/Anointing Oil/Incense who has made all the sacrifices a sweet smelling Savor... Or Saviour!!

"The incense, ascending with the prayers of Israel, represents the merits and intercession of Christ, His perfect righteousness, which through faith is imputed to His people, and which can alone make the worship of sinful beings acceptable to God. Before the veil of the most holy place was an altar of perpetual intercession, before the holy, an altar of continual atonement. By blood and by incense God was to be approached—symbols pointing to the great Mediator, through whom sinners may approach Jehovah, and through whom alone mercy and salvation can be granted to the repentant, believing soul." – {PP 353.2}

Just as God engaged all five senses in the Sanctuary service, I know He wants our total worship - and our total worship means we honor Him with our eyes, ears, mouth, touch, and even our nose. 

Tomorrow's Reading: Ex. 31-32 and Acts. 1