Mar 1 Every Biblical Detail Is Important

In Numbers, there is an account of the daughters of Zelophehad who wanted their father's inheritance because they had no brothers. Moses inquired of God who said yes. This command is why Jesus has the right to the land. Scripture does not indicate that Mary had any brothers, so the land of her father would pass through her to Jesus, her 1st born.

Feb 28 The Principles Behind the Laws

When God issues a law like do not steal, think about what He is saying about Himself and us.

About God:

• He wants us to have what we have earned
• He will provide what we need

About us:

• We have a propensity to steal
• We have a propensity to envy and covet what others have
• We have a propensity to laziness

Try this exercise on every command of God.

Feb 27 Laws of Government, Judicial System

The king was never to think himself better than his brothers. We bring this principle forward to New testament elders who should be servants and not lord it over others. Jesus Himself washed the feet of His Apostles. The king was also to WRITE a part of the Bible everyday. To lead, we all must be in God's word everyday.

Deuteronomy 19:16-21 gives a tremendous insight into the mind of God. If someone gives false testimony about a crime in an effort to falsely accuse another, then that person will get the penalty for that crime. This is a big deterrant to perjury. More importantly, God is telling us about how much He values justice and truth.

Feb 26 Deuteronomy 23, Numbers 6, Leviticus 27 Illustrating Holiness

Much of today's readings have to do with separation, with is what holiness is all about. Holiness is about being "other" - set apart for God. God is wholly "other." There is no one or no thing comparable to God. We are to be separated from the pollution of this world - in the world (to help redeem it), but not of the world (one its own).

Deuteronomy 23:23 is an important principle to bring forward to the present - whatever we say we will do, we must be sure to do - let our yes be yes and our no be no. If we commit to be somewhere to do something at a specific time, we should be there on time and do it well. God keeps all of His promises. If we are to be holy like Him, we should keep all of our promises.

Feb 25 Leviticus 12, 14-15: Numbers 19 Ritual Purity Illustrates Spiritual Purity

The various purity regulations illustrate our need for spiritual purity in thought, word, and deed. Next Sunday, I will preach on one aspect of purity - sexual purity - when God says, "keep the marriage bed pure." The symbolism in these purity regulations helps us understand how we are to be set apart from the culture by the way we honor the institution of marriage and the importance of a pure marriage bed. Meditate on these OT regulations in preparation of next Sunday's teachings from Hebrews 12:28-13:4.

Feb 24 Leviticus 21-22, 25 No Systemic Poverty

Through the Jubilee and the laws surrounding it, the LORD devised a means to prevent systemic poverty. We are not told in the Bible that one Jubilee was celebrated. That is why we see many rich people and many poor people in Israel's history.

Although the Jubilee concept is non-transferable to our society, there is a transferable truth - God is against systemic poverty. We need to be committed to provide some relief to our poor brothers and sister, but more importantly, transfer knowledge and skills to help them overcome poverty and become self-sufficient. We need to do this one person at a time.

Feb 23 Leviticus 5-7 Without Blemish or Defect

Sacrifices to the LORD were to be made without blemish or defect. The LORD would not accept animals that were defective and of lesser value to the owner.

In the same way, God wants our best. When we serve Him, He wants our best effort - not our leftover time, not something trown together because we are too busy with other pursuits. He doesn't want our leftover money - He wants His payment first.

In these ways, we show God how much we love Him and that He is 1st in our lives.