AM Mar 1st Mark 13

March 1st Mark, 13

13v1-37 The Last days

1: And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! 2: And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3: And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4: Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? 5: And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: 6: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 7: And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. 8: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. 9: But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. 10: And the gospel must first be published among all nations. 11: But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. 12: Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. 13: And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14: But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: 15: And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: 16: And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. 17: But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 18: And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter. 19: For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. 20: And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. 21: And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: 22: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. 23: But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. 24: But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25: And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. 26: And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27: And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. 28: Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. 30: Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31: Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 32: But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 33: Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. 34: For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. 35: Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 36: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 37: And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

The Disciples are very excited to show Christ the buildings of the Temple shining in all their glory in the sunshine. Christ responds by saying you see all these buildings – soon there will not be left one stone upon another. This fantastic prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70 when the Temple was burnt down and as the gold ran into every joint so the Temple was plundered taking every stone of another to find the gold. They ask him, ‘When will this happen and what will be the sign of thy coming?’ Christ begins by saying be careful that you are not deceived by false Christ’s – there will be many. Christ speaks prophetically as if the disciples will personally go through these experiences. It is quite possible that they did live to see the destruction of Jerusalem. In this passage Christ’s prophesy is centred on Israel’s state before God and the Gospel that Christ describes is the gospel of repentance to Israel. Christ goes right on to describe the tribulation period as if the Church era will not occur. It is still a mystery as he speaks. After describing the terrible events of the Tribulation he then describes his coming in great power and Glory. He will come in a way that no man can duplicate. His coming will be in the heaven like lightening which flashes from on end of the heaven to the other. Then Christ will gather the Elect (Israel) from where they are scattered in the earth and will carry them to Israel. Christ says when you see all these things come to pass then you will know that the kingdom is near. He says that this generation (those living in that day) will not be killed until they see the kingdom come. Christ states clearly that NO ONE knows the time of Christ’s coming, so predictions of his coming are worthless. The chief characteristic of those who are waiting for Christ’s coming in glory is watchfulness. Watchfulness is living under the law in a state of spiritual anticipation whereby the righteous live faithfully in obedience to the law. How different to those of us in the church who look for the coming of the Lord to catch us away to glory. We do not watch so that we might be found worthy. Rather we wait because we are accepted in the beloved.

Steve

PM Feb 28th Num 28

February 28th Numbers, 28

28v1-15 Regular Offerings

1: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2: Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season. 3: And thou shalt say unto them, This is the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, for a continual burnt offering. 4: The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even; 5: And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil. 6: It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD. 7: And the drink offering thereof shall be the fourth part of an hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured unto the LORD for a drink offering. 8: And the other lamb shalt thou offer at even: as the meat offering of the morning, and as the drink offering thereof, thou shalt offer it, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD. 9: And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof: 10: This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering. 11: And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot; 12: And three tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one bullock; and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one ram; 13: And a several tenth deal of flour mingled with oil for a meat offering unto one lamb; for a burnt offering of a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD. 14: And their drink offerings shall be half an hin of wine unto a bullock, and the third part of an hin unto a ram, and a fourth part of an hin unto a lamb: this is the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year. 15: And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

28v16-29v40 Yearly Offerings

16: And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD. 17: And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten. 18: In the first day shall be an holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work therein: 19: But ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire for a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year: they shall be unto you without blemish: 20: And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil: three tenth deals shall ye offer for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram; 21: A several tenth deal shalt thou offer for every lamb, throughout the seven lambs: 22: And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you. 23: Ye shall offer these beside the burnt offering in the morning, which is for a continual burnt offering. 24: After this manner ye shall offer daily, throughout the seven days, the meat of the sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: it shall be offered beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering. 25: And on the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work. 26: Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: 27: But ye shall offer the burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; two young bullocks, one ram, seven lambs of the first year; 28: And their meat offering of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto one bullock, two tenth deals unto one ram, 29: A several tenth deal unto one lamb, throughout the seven lambs; 30: And one kid of the goats, to make an atonement for you. 31: Ye shall offer them beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink offerings.

Numbers, 29

1: And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you. 2: And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish: 3: And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram, 4: And one tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs: 5: And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you: 6: Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD. 7: And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein: 8: But ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD for a sweet savour; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year; they shall be unto you without blemish: 9: And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals to a bullock, and two tenth deals to one ram, 10: A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs: 11: One kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings. 12: And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: 13: And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish: 14: And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams, 15: And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs: 16: And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 17: And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot: 18: And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 19: And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings. 20: And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish; 21: And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 22: And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. 23: And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 24: Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 25: And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 26: And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot: 27: And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 28: And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. 29: And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 30: And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 31: And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 32: And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 33: And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 34: And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 35: On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein: 36: But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish: 37: Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 38: And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. 39: These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings. 40: And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.

Numbers, 30

30v1-16 Women’s Vows

1: And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded. 2: If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. 3: If a woman also vow a vow unto the LORD, and bind herself by a bond, being in her father's house in her youth; 4: And her father hear her vow, and her bond wherewith she hath bound her soul, and her father shall hold his peace at her: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand. 5: But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her. 6: And if she had at all an husband, when she vowed, or uttered ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul; 7: And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her in the day that he heard it: then her vows shall stand, and her bonds wherewith she bound her soul shall stand. 8: But if her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard it; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that which she uttered with her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, of none effect: and the LORD shall forgive her. 9: But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they have bound their souls, shall stand against her. 10: And if she vowed in her husband's house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath; 11: And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her, and disallowed her not: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she bound her soul shall stand. 12: But if her husband hath utterly made them void on the day he heard them; then whatsoever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand: her husband hath made them void; and the LORD shall forgive her. 13: Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void. 14: But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her from day to day; then he establisheth all her vows, or all her bonds, which are upon her: he confirmeth them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard them. 15: But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard them; then he shall bear her iniquity. 16: These are the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between the father and his daughter, being yet in her youth in her father's house.

In the last Bible reading of this month we read that the Lord specified a number of offerings at various times and the Lord describes the vows peculiar to women. The Lord first outlines the burnt offering. These are to be continually offered to the Lord. One lamb was offered in the morning (Probably 9am) and the other in the evening. (Probably 3pm) It was an offering made by fire and a sweet savour. This was a daily sacrifice. On the Sabbath day two other lambs were offered apart from the daily offerings. This was also a burnt offering made by fire to the Lord. On the first day of each month another burnt offering was to be made but this was to be two young bullocks, one ram and seven lamb ‘yearlings’ perfect specimens plus a meal offering and one kid of the goats for a sin offering. As well as the daily, weekly and monthly offerings there were also annual offerings. The first yearly offering was the Passover. The offerings were similar to the monthly offering except that a goat was offered for a sin offering to make atonement. These offerings were made on top of the daily offerings and they were offered every day of the feast. On the day of the feast of firstfruits a similar set off offerings were made to the Lord. On the feast of trumpets one young bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year. Included was a meal offering and one kid of the goats for a sin offering. On the seventh month a holy gathering was to be celebrated. Again the first day there were the same offerings as before but on the second day 12 bullocks, 2 rams, 14 lambs with the meal offerings and drink offerings. On the next day 11 bullocks, 2 rams, 14 lambs with the meal and drink offerings, plus one goat for a sin offering. On the fourth day 10 bullocks, 2 rams, 14 lambs etc etc. On the fifth day 9 bullocks, 2 rams, 14 lambs etc. On the sixth day 8 bullocks 2 rams and 14 lambs. On the seventh day 7 bullocks, 2 rams and 14 lambs. On the eighth day they were to have a solemn assembly and no common work it to be done. Only 1 bullock, 1 ram, 7 lambs plus 1 goat for a sin offering. All these things were over and above the ordinary offerings. In all these things we see a decreasing level of worship. Then the Lord gives to Moses clear instructions regarding the making of oaths. The first thing is that oaths are to be kept not broken. However if a young unmarried woman made a vow and her father hear her, he may absolve her of her oath. The same was true of a wife and widow.

Steve

AM Feb 28th Mark 12

February 28th Mark, 12

12v1-12 The Parable of the Vineyard

1: And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. 2: And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. 3: And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. 4: And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. 5: And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. 6: Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son. 7: But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. 8: And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. 9: What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. 10: And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: 11: This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 12: And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

12v13-17 Question –Taxes

13: And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. 14: And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15: Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. 16: And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. 17: And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.

12v18-27 Question – Resurrection

18: Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, 19: Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. 20: Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. 21: And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. 22: And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. 23: In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. 24: And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? 25: For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. 26: And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? 27: He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.

12v28-34 Question – First commandment

28: And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29: And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31: And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. 32: And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: 33: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 34: And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

12v35-37 The Lord’s Question – David

35: And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David? 36: For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. 37: David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.

12v38-40 Jesus warns of the Scribes

38: And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, 39: And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: 40: Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

12v41-44 The Widows mites

41: And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42: And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43: And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

The Lord is bringing his preaching ministry to an end and in doing so he gives the parable of the Vineyard. The owner of the vineyard sends men to the vineyard seeking for fruit but they are badly treated. In the end the owner says to himself l will send my son! When the vinedressers see the son they say let us kill him and take the inheritance to ourselves. The owner of the vineyard comes latter to punish those who have done this wicked thing and he gives the vineyard to those who will give him the fruit in season. This parable describes the History and prophetic course of the Nation of Israel. The Herodias try to catch Christ out politically. But he overcomes their tricky plans by acknowledging the authority of the Romans to extract taxes but points them also to the demands of God on the Jews. The Sadducees come with their most tricky question but again Christ completely overcomes their difficult question. The question is overcome by Christ’s superior understanding of scripture and of the ways of God. Lastly the religious leaders come with their favourite question. Which commandment is the greatest? Christ answers perfectly, that the greatest, commandment is to love God and the second is to love men. So after all the questions were asked – the most difficult questions that the Jews could think of – Christ asks one question. (This question and answer method was the standard form of Jewish learning) Christ asks about the Messiah that David calls his Lord. Then Christ says if the Messiah is David’s son, why does David call his son - his Lord? They are completely stumped. Christ then warned the common people of the perverse teaching of their religious leaders. He describes them as self important, self seeking, self obsessed. Lastly Christ points out where the true religion is - by observing the devotion of a poor widow. What a contrast between the poor widow and the Sadducees.

Steve

PM Feb 27th Num 26

February 27th Numbers, 26

F The new generation prepare to enter Canaan

26v1-65 The Second Census

1: And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying, 2: Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their father's house, all that are able to go to war in Israel. 3: And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying, 4: Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward; as the LORD commanded Moses and the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt. 5: Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites: 6: Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites. 7: These are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty. 8: And the sons of Pallu; Eliab. 9: And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD: 10: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign. 11: Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not. 12: The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites: of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites: of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites: 13: Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. 14: These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred. 15: The children of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites: of Haggi, the family of the Haggites: of Shuni, the family of the Shunites: 16: Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites: 17: Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites. 18: These are the families of the children of Gad according to those that were numbered of them, forty thousand and five hundred. 19: The sons of Judah were Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. 20: And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites. 21: And the sons of Pharez were; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites. 22: These are the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred. 23: Of the sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites: 24: Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites. 25: These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred. 26: Of the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites. 27: These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those that were numbered of them, threescore thousand and five hundred. 28: The sons of Joseph after their families were Manasseh and Ephraim. 29: Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites. 30: These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites: of Helek, the family of the Helekites: 31: And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites: 32: And of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. 33: And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 34: These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred. 35: These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites. 36: And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites. 37: These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those that were numbered of them, thirty and two thousand and five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph after their families. 38: The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites: 39: Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites. 40: And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites: and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites. 41: These are the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and six hundred. 42: These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families. 43: All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those that were numbered of them, were threescore and four thousand and four hundred. 44: Of the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites: of Beriah, the family of the Beriites. 45: Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites: of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites. 46: And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah. 47: These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred. 48: Of the sons of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites: of Guni, the family of the Gunites: 49: Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites: of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. 50: These are the families of Naphtali according to their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and four hundred. 51: These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty. 52: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 53: Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names. 54: To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him. 55: Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit. 56: According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few. 57: And these are they that were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites: of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites: of Merari, the family of the Merarites. 58: These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korathites. And Kohath begat Amram. 59: And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister. 60: And unto Aaron was born Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 61: And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD. 62: And those that were numbered of them were twenty and three thousand, all males from a month old and upward: for they were not numbered among the children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel. 63: These are they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. 64: But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. 65: For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

Numbers, 27

27v1-11 Inheritance law

1: Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah. 2: And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, 3: Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the LORD in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons. 4: Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father. 5: And Moses brought their cause before the LORD. 6: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 7: The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them. 8: And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter. 9: And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren. 10: And if he have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father's brethren. 11: And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses.

27v12-23 Joshua to lead after Moses

12: And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel. 13: And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered. 14: For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. 15: And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying, 16: Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, 17: Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd. 18: And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; 19: And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. 20: And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. 21: And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation. 22: And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: 23: And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

As the new generation prepare to enter the promised land a number of things are essential. First the children of Israel are to be counted and secondly there needs to be a change of leader. Once the plague had ended the Lord spoke to Eleazar (the new High priest after the death of Aaron) saying take the sum of the children of Israel from 20 years upward.

1. Reuben, 43,730
2. Simeon, 22,200
3. Gad, 40,500
4. Judah, 76,500
5. Issachar, 64,300
6. Zebulun, 60,500
Joseph –
7. Manasseh, 52,700
8. Ephraim, 32,500
9. Benjamin, 45,600
10. Dan, 64,400
11. Asher, 53,400
12. Naphtali, 45.400

The Tribe of Levi were not counted and they had no land given to them.

Total 600,830.

Then the Lord told Moses how the Promised Land was to be divided between the tribes. The actual portioning of the Land was decided by the casting of lots. All this took place in the plains of Moab near to the Jordan River opposite Jericho. All the children of Israel that had rebelled against the Lord were buried in the wilderness except for two men Caleb and Joshua. Having decided the portioning of the Land the Lord next explains how the land is to be kept in its family. The book of Ruth is all about how the land and inheritance is restored to the succeeding generations. Then we have an interesting incident. The daughters of Zelophehad, came to Moses with a complaint. They were of the tribe of Manasseh. They stood before Moses and Eleazar. This must have been a humbling experience for Eleazar who had taken over from his father Aaron. The princes of Israel and all the people of Israel gathered too. They said that their father died in the wilderness without an heir. He was not part of the rebellion of Korah but he dies of his own sin being part of the generation that perished. They said why should our portion of inheritance perish just because our father had no sons. Moses brought this case before the Lord. The Lord replied that what they are saying is right and that they are to have an inheritance along with the other families of Israel. This not only solved a problem for these women but it set a precedent in Israel in which if a husband or son died or if the family had no male heirs then the continuation of the family inheritance continued through the females of the family. This is exactly what happened in the case of Naomi and Ruth both of whose husbands died. The Lord says that a near kinsman can redeem it and posses the land. Then the Lord told Moses to go up the mountain to view the land. The Lord explained that he would not be able to enter the land because of his rebellion at Meribah in Kadesh. Moses asks the Lord to set a man before them as the leader of the Children of Israel – so that they will not be like sheep without a shepherd. The Lord said take Joshua a man in whom is the Spirit and lay hands on him and put him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation and give him a solemn charge in their sight. Moses was to honour him so that the children of Israel might honour him. Eleazar will stand with him using the Urim. He will have complete authority over Israel. And so we see the seriousness of being a leader of Gods people.

Steve

AM Feb 27th Mark 11

February 27th Mark, 11

11v1-11 Jesus enters Jerusalem

1: And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, 2: And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. 3: And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. 4: And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. 5: And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? 6: And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. 7: And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. 8: And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9: And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: 10: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. 11: And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

11v12-14 The Barren Fig tree

12: And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: 13: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 14: And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

11v15-19 Jesus cleanses the Temple

15: And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; 16: And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. 17: And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. 18: And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine. 19: And when even was come, he went out of the city.

11v20-26 Have faith in God

20: And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21: And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. 22: And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23: For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24: Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 25: And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26: But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

11v27-33 Objection – Authority

27: And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, 28: And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? 29: And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30: The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me. 31: And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? 32: But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. 33: And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Christ enters into Jerusalem sitting on an ass. He comes in regal glory as Israel’s Messiah. He enters into the Temple and inspects everything he finds there. In the following day he comes in judgment to clean out the temple. He turns over the tables of the money changers and to turns out the men selling animals. The Temple of God had become a market a place to make money. The religious leaders set out to destroy him. During these events Christ had come to a fig tree to be nourished but he found no fruit and had cursed it. The disciples raised this with him and he tells them that this is a very minor miracle and then he encourages them to greater faith. Then Christ gives them the principle in which they will know forgiveness. God will forgive those under the law in perfect justice. If they forgive then god will forgive them. What a contrast grace is. Under Grace God forgives perfectly finding into motive only in the Grace of God. God expects those who are forgiven under Grace to forgive – not in order to be forgiven but because they are forgiven.

Steve

PM Feb 26th Num 24

February 26th Numbers, 24

1: And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness. 2: And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him. 3: And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: 4: He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: 5: How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! 6: As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters. 7: He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. 8: God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows. 9: He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.

24v10-25 Balaam’s prophesy

10: And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times. 11: Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour. 12: And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying, 13: If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak? 14: And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days. 15: And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: 16: He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: 17: I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. 18: And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. 19: Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city. 20: And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever. 21: And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock. 22: Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. 23: And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this! 24: And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever. 25: And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way.

Numbers, 25

25v1-18 Moabite women seduce Israel

1: And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. 2: And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. 3: And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. 4: And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel. 5: And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baal-peor. 6: And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 7: And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand; 8: And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel. 9: And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand. 10: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 11: Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy. 12: Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace: 13: And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel. 14: Now the name of the Israelite that was slain, even that was slain with the Midianitish woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a chief house among the Simeonites. 15: And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he was head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian. 16: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 17: Vex the Midianites, and smite them: 18: For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor's sake.

Today’s reading follows on from yesterday’s narrative. First we see that Balaam sets out to find Israel and discovers them living in tents. The Spirit of God comes upon him and he falls into a trance and blesses God. Having described the wonders of God protection and prevision he says ‘Blessed is he that blesses you, and cursed is he that curseth you’. Balak was not pleased with Balaam at all and he rebuked him but Balaam said, ‘what the LORD says to me, that will I speak?’ Then he prophesied again – There will come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre will rise out of Israel, and he will smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. Edom will be occupied and Seir also will be occupied and Israel will fight valiantly. Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, (Christ himself) and he will destroy anyone that remains of the city. Then he turned his attention to Amalek, and said, Amalek was the first nation to be established but his latter end will be that he perish for ever. Then he prophesied concerning the Kenites, he spoke in a parable saying, your homes are strong and you put your trust in a rock. However the Kenite shall be diminished until the Assyrians capture them. And he said, ships will come from the coast of Chittim, and they will injure Asshur, and Eber, and he will perish forever. Then Balaam and Balak went home. So the evil plans of Balak were totally frustrated God turned his plans for cursing Israel into blessing for Israel. While the Children of Israel camped at Shittim the daughters of Moab sold their bodies to the men of Israel. The children of Israel sacrificed to the idols of Moab and they ate and bowed down to their idols. Israel made an alliance with the god Ball-peor. The anger of the Lord was burning against Israel and the Lord told Moses to hang the heads of the tribes so that the Lords anger would be satisfied. Moses commanded that every man that had been involved was to be executed. While Israel wept before the Lord a Midianitish woman went in to lay with a an Israelite. But Phinehas took a javelin and followed after the Israelite man and speared them both through with the javelin. In this way the anger of the Lord was turned away from the people. 24,000 people had died from this plague. (Nearly 5% of all Israel.) The man and the woman were nobles of Israel and Midian. The Lord told Moses to attack the Midianites because they had tempted Israel with their wives.

Steve

AM Feb 26th Mark 10

February 26th

10v32-34 Jesus predicts his resurrection

32: And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, 33: Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: 34: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

10v35-45 James and John seek position

35: And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. 36: And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? 37: They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. 38: But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? 39: And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: 40: But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. 41: And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. 42: But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43: But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45: For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

10v46-52 The healing of Bartimaeus

46: And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. 47: And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 48: And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 49: And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. 50: And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. 51: And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 52: And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

Christ is on his last long journey to Jerusalem and so he takes the time to explain exactly what will happen to him there. It is nearly always forgotten that this was an outstanding prophecy. None of these things were able to be orchestrated by Christ and yet in a few days they will all come true. The most difficult prophecy for anyone to fulfil would be their own resurrection. At this time the disciples are still so self focused that they are planning to out manoeuvre each other into positions of power in the kingdom. How little did they understand of what the future held for them. Then when the rest of the disciples heard what these disciples had asked they were very cross indeed. Why would they be cross? Because they wanted to be in charge too. This was all about power over each other. Christ tells then in no uncertain terms that it is the Gentiles who exercise lordship over the common people but that they are not to act in this way among brethren. The one that is greatest is the one that is servant of all. He then describes his whole course in life - For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Christ came not to be served but to serve and to give his life. Christian ministers are not to see themselves in position of power over brethren but they are to see themselves as servants. It’s not their will that’s important it’s the will of those they serve that is important. On the road they pass Bartimaeus who calls out for Christ to heal his blindness. Christ’s simple question is a question that comes to us all. What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? His needs were many but his problem was one single disability. Christ removed the disability and Bartimeasus became a follower of Christ.

Steve

PM Feb 25th Num 21

February 25th Numbers, 21

21v1-3 Canaanites defeated

1: And when king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took some of them prisoners. 2: And Israel vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities. 3: And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah.

21v4-9 The Fiery Serpents

4: And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. 5: And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. 6: And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. 7: Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. 8: And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. 9: And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

21v10-35 Israel east of Jordan

10: And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in Oboth. 11: And they journeyed from Oboth, and pitched at Ije-abarim, in the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrising. 12: From thence they removed, and pitched in the valley of Zared. 13: From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. 14: Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, 15: And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab. 16: And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water. 17: Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it: 18: The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the lawgiver, with their staves. And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah: 19: And from Mattanah to Nahaliel: and from Nahaliel to Bamoth: 20: And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon. 21: And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, 22: Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along by the king's high way, until we be past thy borders. 23: And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel. 24: And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong. 25: And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof. 26: For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto Arnon. 27: Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared: 28: For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon. 29: Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites. 30: We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which reacheth unto Medeba. 31: Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites. 32: And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there. 33: And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei. 34: And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. 35: So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.

Numbers, 22

E The Prophet Balaam

22v1-20 Balak sends for Balaam

1: And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho. 2: And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. 3: And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. 4: And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. 5: He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: 6: Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed. 7: And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak. 8: And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam. 9: And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee? 10: And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying, 11: Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out. 12: And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. 13: And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you. 14: And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us. 15: And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they. 16: And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: 17: For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people. 18: And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. 19: Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more. 20: And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.

22v21-35 Balaam’s donkey

21: And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. 22: And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. 23: And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. 24: But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. 25: And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again. 26: And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. 27: And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. 28: And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? 29: And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. 30: And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay. 31: Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. 32: And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: 33: And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive. 34: And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again. 35: And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

22v36-24v9 Balaam blesses Israel

36: And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast. 37: And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour? 38: And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak. 39: And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjath-huzoth. 40: And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him. 41: And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost part of the people.

Numbers, 23

1: And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams. 2: And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram. 3: And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go: peradventure the LORD will come to meet me: and whatsoever he sheweth me I will tell thee. And he went to an high place. 4: And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram. 5: And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak. 6: And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he, and all the princes of Moab. 7: And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel. 8: How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied? 9: For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. 10: Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! 11: And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether. 12: And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth? 13: And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence. 14: And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar. 15: And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder. 16: And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus. 17: And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken? 18: And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor: 19: God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? 20: Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. 21: He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them. 22: God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn. 23: Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought! 24: Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain. 25: And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all. 26: But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do? 27: And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence. 28: And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon. 29: And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams. 30: And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.

In chapter 21 we see victory and defeat and then we see opposition and blessing. But first we see that the Canaanites came against Israel and took some prisoners but Israel called on the Lord and entered into a covenant with the Lord to obey the Lord if the Lord gave them victory. Israel was totally victorious and the children of Israel totally destroyed the Canaanites. This incident and others like it troubles many people. Yet we must remember that Israel had been raised up by the lord to bring righteousness and judgment into the World. And God used them specifically as his instrument of execution to those nations and peoples whose sin had matured into such proportions that immediate and final judgment was God will. However Israel was not immune to judgment themselves and in the very next passage we see that because the children of Israel were forbidden to pass through the land of Edom they had a very long and deserted journey around them. In the exhaustion of the journey they rebelled against the Lord and the Lord sent snakes among them. The people who were bitten died. The people repented of their rebellion and called on Moses who called on the Lord to deliver them. The Lord did deliver them in a very remarkable way. Moses was commanded to make a serpent of brass and put it on a pole. Those that looked at the serpent lived. This is the incident that Christ quotes in John chapter 3. The Children of Israel drew nearer to the promised land and engaged with a few peoples in battle – these battles are recorded in the book (Numbers) - the wars of the Lord. And so their journey continues. Israel made war against the Amorites and fire from the Lord destroyed them and Israel dwelt in their cities. Og the King of Bashan was a huge man. (His bed is still seen today in a museum in Israel) The king and the whole nation were totally destroyed by the Lord. When the children of Israel camped near to Moab on the eastern side of Jordan just above the Dead Sea, Balak was afraid and sought a way to resist or defeat Israel. So he sent for Balaam to come and curse Israel. The Lord spoke to Balaam forbidding him. At first he was afraid of the Lord but when he was promises fame and wealth he went. In the night the Lord spoke to Balaam saying go with the men but do what l say. in the morning Balaam rose and went with the princes of Moab. The Lord was angry that Balaam was going at the bidding of these men and sent an angel to stand in his way. The donkey carrying Balaam saw the angel, but Balaam didn’t. Three times the Lord blocked his path and the donkey crushed Balaam’s foot against a wall. In the end the donkey sat down a refused to go ahead. Balaam hit the donkey for doing this and then the lord did a wonderful thing he enabled the donkey to speak. The donkey said why did you do this three times. Balaam said if l had a sword l would kill you but the donkey replied l am not your donkey? Have you ever seen me do anything like this before. And Balaam said – ‘Nay’. (God is able to make a donkey speak like a man and a man to answer like a donkey!) Then God opened the eyes of Balaam and he saw the angel of the Lord with the drawn sword. He bowed his head and fell on his face. Then the angel explained what the donkey had been doing and how the donkey had saved his life. Then the angel said go with these men but only do what l tell you to do. Balaam went and met Balak who gave him all his bribes. Then the Lord told Balaam exactly what to say. After a long intercourse Balaam explained that he had to bless Israel because God had blessed them. He said as all true prophets say – ‘All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?

Steve

AM Feb 25th Mark 10

February 25th Mark, 10

10v1-12 Divorce

1: And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again. 2: And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. 3: And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you? 4: And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. 5: And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. 6: But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. 7: For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; 8: And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. 9: What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 10: And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter. 11: And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. 12: And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

10v13-16 Childlikeness – Heaven

13: And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14: But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15: Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16: And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

10v17-31 The Rich young ruler

17: And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18: And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19: Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20: And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21: Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22: And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 23: And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24: And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26: And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 27: And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. 28: Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. 29: And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30: But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. 31: But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

The religious leaders came to Christ asking what the conditions are for Divorce. Christ simply said, ‘What did Moses say?’ Christ always deferred to Scripture to answer a question if scripture gave the answer. They said. ‘Moses allowed a bill of divorcement’. This was correct however Christ goes on to point out that this was not so in the beginning. And so Christ establishes the true teaching of scripture not the teaching of the Scribes. The statement of Christ regarding divorce is much misunderstood. Christ is saying that for a hardhearted man to divorce his young wife gives the impression that she has been unfaithful when in fact she may have been perfectly innocent. The bill of divorcement was a certificate to state that she is pure. The man who might subsequently marry her may be viewed as an adulterer when in fact he is honourable. When children were brought to Christ the disciples sent them away but Christ was very cross that they had done this and insisted that they be allowed to come to him. The next incident is interesting; this young man comes running with a question. ‘What must l do to inherit eternal life?’ Christ points him to the Mosaic Law because he is a Jew. He replies with sincerity, like Paul would, that he has kept the law (in all good conscience) since his youth. Christ does not argue with him. He sees in him a law abiding Jew who really wants to serve God. Now for the Jew obedience to the Law was not all that was required. Charity was seen as mandatory and the height of Jewish righteousness. (See Acts 10) So Christ places before him the height of religious observance as a Jew and he fails the test because his riches are a great feature of his life. Then Christ comments on the fact that those with riches find it hard to enter the kingdom of God. The disciples were very much surprised by Christ’s teaching. Peter says we have left all to follow you! Christ tells the disciples that they will receive a hundredfold more in return from the Lord for the sacrifice they have made.

Steve

PM Feb 24th Num 19

February 24th Numbers, 19

19v1-22 Purifying an unclean person

1: And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 2: This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke: 3: And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face: 4: And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle of her blood directly before the tabernacle of the congregation seven times: 5: And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn: 6: And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer. 7: Then the priest shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp, and the priest shall be unclean until the even. 8: And he that burneth her shall wash his clothes in water, and bathe his flesh in water, and shall be unclean until the even. 9: And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin. 10: And he that gathereth the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: and it shall be unto the children of Israel, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among them, for a statute for ever. 11: He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days. 12: He shall purify himself with it on the third day, and on the seventh day he shall be clean: but if he purify not himself the third day, then the seventh day he shall not be clean. 13: Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him. 14: This is the law, when a man dieth in a tent: all that come into the tent, and all that is in the tent, shall be unclean seven days. 15: And every open vessel, which hath no covering bound upon it, is unclean. 16: And whosoever toucheth one that is slain with a sword in the open fields, or a dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days. 17: And for an unclean person they shall take of the ashes of the burnt heifer of purification for sin, and running water shall be put thereto in a vessel: 18: And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave: 19: And the clean person shall sprinkle upon the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, and wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even. 20: But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of the LORD: the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him; he is unclean. 21: And it shall be a perpetual statute unto them, that he that sprinkleth the water of separation shall wash his clothes; and he that toucheth the water of separation shall be unclean until even. 22: And whatsoever the unclean person toucheth shall be unclean; and the soul that toucheth it shall be unclean until even.

Numbers, 20

20v1-13 Moses and Aaron sin

1: Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. 2: And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3: And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD! 4: And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there? 5: And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink. 6: And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them. 7: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 8: Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. 9: And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. 10: And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? 11: And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. 12: And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. 13: This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.

20v14-21 Edom refuses passage to Israel

14: And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us: 15: How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians vexed us, and our fathers: 16: And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border: 17: Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king's highway, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders. 18: And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword. 19: And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet. 20: And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand. 21: Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.

20v22-29 Aaron dies

22: And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor. 23: And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying, 24: Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah. 25: Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor: 26: And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there. 27: And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation. 28: And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount. 29: And when all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for Aaron thirty days, even all the house of Israel.

After describing how the priests are to be purified the Lord then explains how unclean people are purified. There then follows the sobering passage which describes the sin of Moses and Aaron. The tribe of Edom on the far south eastern part of Canaan refuse safe passage of the children of Israel through their territory. And in the end of today’s reading Aaron passes away. But first the Lord provides the ordinance for the cleansing of the unclean. It all centres on the offering of the Red Heifer. This is a female cow that is without blemish and has never worked. It is killed outside the camp and the blood is sprinkled seven times before the Lord. Next the whole animal is burnt completely. After ward the priest washes and puts on clean clothes. He is unclean until evening. Another man a clean man takes the ash and puts them in a clean place. Then this man washes and is unclean till the evening. The ash of the red heifer is used in water as a means of purification. It was this water that was lacking at the marriage in Cana of Galilee. Then we read that when Miriam died the people complained to Moses and Aaron for bringing them into the wilderness. There was no water for the cleansing for those who were to bury her – Moses and Aaron. The Lord appeared to Moses and Aaron saying speak to the rock and you will have water. Moses was stressed out and he gathered the people together and struck the rock twice and water came out in abundance. The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and rebuked them from striking the rock saying that they would not go into the land. This is the place Meribah. Next we see that Moab the tribe that descended from Lot refused Israel to pass through the land. The request was friendly and polite yet the king of Moab refused rudely and promised war if they came that way. Israel found another way. The children of Israel went by the way of Hor. It the mountain of Hor Aaron was stripped of his high priestly clothes and they were given to his son Eleazar. Then Aaron died there on the top of the mountain. The children of Israel mourned for Aaron for 50 days.

Steve

AM Feb 24th Mark 9

February 24th Mark, 9

1: And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

9v2-13 The Transfiguration

2: And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. 3: And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. 4: And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. 5: And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 6: For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. 7: And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. 8: And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. 9: And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead. 10: And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean. 11: And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? 12: And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought. 13: But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

9v14-29 Jesus delivers a boy

14: And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. 15: And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. 16: And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? 17: And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18: And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. 19: He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. 20: And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21: And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22: And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 23: Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24: And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 25: When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26: And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27: But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. 28: And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29: And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

9v30-32 Jesus predicts his death

30: And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it. 31: For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day. 32: But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.

9v33-37 Childlikeness – Greatness

33: And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34: But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 35: And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. 36: And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, 37: Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

9v38-41 For or against us?

38: And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 39: But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 40: For he that is not against us is on our part. 41: For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

9v42-50 Entrapments of Disciples

42: And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. 43: And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 45: And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 46: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 47: And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 48: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 49: For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. 50: Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

Many people stumble over the verse where Christ says… That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. However this prophecy was given on the assumption that Israel would accept Christ as Messiah and then Christ would bring in the kingdom in power. It was not certain from a human point of view that Christ would be rejected and that the church age would come in. This may seem strange to our thinking looking back but it would be obvious in that time looking forward. Six days later Christ ascends the mountain and taking the three disciples he goes on further and is transfigured. Something of the glory of God broke forth from him and his body shone in all the glory of a man in perfect obedience under the law. Moses and Elijah appear and they come to discuss the purpose of the Cross which Christ would achieve at Jerusalem. Peter and the disciples are overcome. Peter says a few silly things but a cloud from heaven overshadows him and his attention is refocused on Christ. When Christ mentioned the rising from the dead they had no idea what he was talking about. The disciples raise an objection to Christ that the Scribes had raised. That is that Jesus could not be the Christ because Elijah must come first before the Messiah and as far as they can see Elijah had not come. Christ points out that Elijah has in fact come already. It was John the Baptist who came in the Spirit and power of Elijah. The scribes came with a question. They had a case that they were unable to heal. It was a man possessed with a demon that had rendered him dumb. This meant that the Scribes were unable to make the Demon communicate with them declaring the demons name. This was an important part of the exorcism. They Scribes had also come to the understanding that any man who could deliver a man from a demon that renders him dumb might be the Messiah. Christ did not follow the custom of the scribes but rebuked the demon and he came out of the man. The man was so exhausted that he lay like a dead man but Christ took him by the hand and strengthened him. Later the disciples asked why it was that they could not deliver the man and Christ replied that this type of Demon can only come out by prayer and fasting. Obviously Christ was in such a state and therefore was able to do it. On there journey the disciples like children were discussing which one of them should be in charge. When they got to their lodgings Christ asked them what were you talking about on the way and they were embarrassed to tell him. Christ took one of the children of the household, probably a toddler and used the child as an object lesson. Christ said to them whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. The disciples changed the subject saying we saw someone doing a miracle in your name but because he was not one of us we forbade him. Christ said don’t forbid him If he is not against us then he is part of us. Then Christ returned to the Child and spoke of the horror of offending a little child. Christ was preaching under the law and so he describes the real life a death struggle with sin and the seriousness of the prospect of hell itself. Then he turned to these Jews and said be salt, because if the salt become unsalted it is worthless except to be thrown out a trodden under foot - A warning to Israel of the judgment of God if Israel looses the edge of their relation under covenant.

Steve