Numbers 2:1-3:51 + Mark 11:27-12:17 + Psalm 47:1-9 + Proverbs 10:24-25
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~
Old Testament – Today in Numbers chapter 2 we read about the organization of Israel’s camp! For some reason I really like these types of chapters – chapters where we get what may seem at first glance to be “just a bunch of details” and maybe we even ask occasionally, “what’s the point?” For me, the details are the point! I don’t know about you, but I’ll confess this here and now on the blog – I’m a bit of a packrat. 🙂 Seriously. And not only that – but I have seasons of crazy disorganization in my house and in my life. And I of course remember the old adage, “cleanliness is next to godliness….” 🙂 And yes, I guess I can at times feel guilty about my disorganization. But, for some odd reason just this past few weeks I’ve been on an organization kick. The homestead has been getting a serious cleaning. I’m getting rid of stuff that I really really don’t need to keep. And then I read chapters like this in Numbers, and I realize that God is a God of order. He likes things organized. And I think we as followers of God do well when we get things organized in our lives too – our housekeeping, our finances, how we spend our time, etc. Now, don’t hear me say that you should be obsessive compulsive about order… 🙂 But… I am seeing amazing benefits in my life of being organized. A good overview of the camp in Numbers chapter 2 is in this image below:
New Testament – In Mark chapter 12 we read Jesus’ profound Parable of the Tenants, which exposes the planned attempt on Jesus’ life. At the end of the parable Jesus quotes from Psalm 118 verses 22 & 23 when he says in Mark chapter 12 verse 10: “Haven’t you read this scripture: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”” I have heard some awesome sermons on this verse – about how our Christian lives should be based upon and aligned with the true foundational Cornerstone – and that cornerstone being Jesus Christ. Do you believe that Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity? Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life? Do you align your life with Jesus’ teachings? Do you live your life based on being in alignment with the true Cornerstone – the only Cornerstone – Jesus? Will you pray to Jesus that He will be your Cornerstone now and forever?
Today we also read about Jesus’ teaching of giving Caesar what belongs to him, and I came across this very cool image below, which shows a silver denarius coin that was from Jesus’ era with Tiberius Caesar’s image & name stamped on it. The wording on this coin below reads from right to left: “TI (BERIUS) CAESAR DIVI AUG (GUSTI) F (ILIUS) AUGUSTUS” – which reads translated: “Tiberius Caesar, august son of the deified Augustus”. Jesus could have been holding such a coin as below when he said in verses 15 through 17 – “Show me a Roman coin…” When they handed it to him, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God.” This reply completely amazed them.”
Commentary on our Mark chapter 11 & 12 readings today are at bible.org at this link and at this link.
Psalms – Psalm 47 is an awesome Psalm! I can almost hear and feel music and a drum beat as I read this Psalm today! This Psalm was used in later Jewish synagogue liturgies for Rosh Hashanah, the New Year Festival. This Psalm has also been used by the Christian church in the Celebration of Jesus’ ascension, in particular with emphases on verse 5 – “God has ascended with a mighty shout. The LORD has ascended with trumpets blaring.” Do you hear and feel the music as you read this Psalm? Verse 1 sets the stage so very well for verse 2 in the image below – “Come, everyone, and clap your hands for joy! Shout to God with joyful praise!”
Proverbs – Proverbs 10 verse 25 is a verse for each of us to meditate upon a bit – “Disaster strikes like a cyclone, whirling the wicked away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.” Do you have a lasting foundation? Do you have a Cornerstone?
Below is an image from Proverbs 10:24 in today’s readings:
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Mark reminded me of the song “Cornerstone:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv5Aaab0XU4
Is Jesus your Cornerstone? Click here and meet the Cornerstone!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Mark 12:17 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you would give your heart, mind, soul and strength to God today, and not to worldly things.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on my OT reflections today, are there any other closet packrats out there that will fess up in the Comments section below?? 🙂 Or any former packrats / disorganized folks that can give us some advice in the Comments below on how you got orderly? Do you think that God is a God of order? Should we be a people of order? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )
======= Ramona:
Hmmm Mike, >>And I of course remember the old adage, “cleanliness is next to godliness….” : )
>> Well there is one little problem here whose standard of cleanliness and godliness are we to measure by? Jesus certainly knocked the Pharisees out of the water with his rebuke of their cleanliness rituals. It might be an old adage but is that adage true?
Numbers 2:3-51
Is there order here? Yes there is order, God’s order and everything regarding the Temple, the camp and the placement of the tents of the tribes and their “fighting” men and the people following also speaks to me about the plan and purpose of God. Everyone is given a plan and has a purpose designed by God. But the choice is ours whether to work the plan God has given us or to work the plan we want to pick up. I believe we enter chaos when we pick up our plans instead of God’s.
The redemption of the firstborn sons foreshadows Christ, as the Firstborn of God, redemptive work upon the earth. Except Christ work is so very deep and broad that there only need be one of Him for all of us.
Mark 11:27-12:17
This entire section is about authority and submission to an authority. The question is whose authority is being submitted too? The religious leaders question Jesus, demand from Jesus who has given him authority to disturb their “business” franchise in the Temple. Jesus’ response to them challenges their authority to question Him about His authority.
The leaders response to Jesus show that they are week leaders, afraid of the people and week leaders may have positional authority but they lack spiritual authority.
The farmers didn’t want to submit to the owner’s authority over his fields that they worked in the owner’s physical absence. His authority comes by right of ownership not by what they think is fair or unfair.
The trick question the Pharisees tried to put to Jesus about taxes, again is really about authority. If they truly believed that Jesus “…sincerely teaches the ways of God,” why would they even ask Him a question about paying taxes? They through, wrongly, that submitting to God was mutually exclusive. If you submit to God you cannot submit to earthly authority. Jesus shocked them by letting them know that the things of God and the things of man are not one and the same.
Psalm 47:1–9
The only thing I can speak of is to add to Mike’s comments with an encouragement, “Rap on, Rap on!! Just make sure you give it a beat that you can dance to.
Proverbs 10:24-25
Fears and hope, both will bring to pass what is in the heart. The question becomes what is the state of my heart, what kind of soil have I prepared and will it bring to fruition deadly fears or life-giving hope? Wickedness or godliness, there is probably just a thin line that divides one from the other and it all has to do with the state of the heart and our dealing honestly and truthfully with what is there.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Mark:
Mike, thanks again for your faithful service by keeping this posting going on a consistent basis. I appreciate your comments and questions. I squirmed a bit this morning as I read your questions about a disorganized life.
I enjoyed the diagram of the camp of Israel and noticed a couple of things. Remeber when Jacob was meeting Esau and he held Rachel and her sons to the back of the procession? Well that’s where her children: (Benjamin and Ephraim/Mannaseh a.k.a. Joseph) are positioned, behind the tabernacle compound. Leah’s children line the east and south sides (with Gad being the single exception) and the offspring of the handmaids taking their position on the northside of the camp. The one thing that stood out the most to me was that the tribe of Judah was directly in front of the gates. Jesus, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah; is the Way to the Father. We enter the holy place through the blood of Christ.
I had to laugh at today’s stories in Mark about the two questions. When Jesus asked the question of the Pharisee’s, they decided that it would be politically incorrect to give an answer and slinked away to lick their wounded pride. The other question — perhaps posed by some of the same men to Jesus — was designed to trap him. When Jesus answered: “Give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his.” Their mouths hung open, speechless. HAaa!! Haa! ha…hey wait!! How many times have I had to bring myself up short because God’s word tells me something so radical and out of my comfort zone? How many times do I avoid a question or situation because I may be a little uncomfortable or too proud to respond in a way that doesn’t paint “ME” in the best possible light?
Mike, I wish we could get together to do some worshipping from Psalms and to make a joyful noise. that may never happen here on this earth, but I know that in heaven, we’ll experience music, worship and praise in awesome ways.
Psalm 47:5-7
Loud cheers as God climbs the mountain,
a ram’s horn blast at the summit.
Sing songs to God, sing out!
Sing to our King, sing praise!
He’s Lord over earth,
so sing your best songs to God.
I hear at least 6 or 7 tunes in my head right now, the one that’s the loudest is the one that says: Forever you are faithful, Forever you are strong, Forever you are with us, Forever, Forever…
Proverbs 10:25 I always thought that the scripture for the Sunday School song, “The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock” was solely based on Jesus’ parable. Here is the same theme in Proverbs this morning!! Hmmm… It’s almost there is an unchangeable God or something…. (Now Chris Tomlin’s song is in my head)
Rejoicing in Him,
Mark
======= Marty:
Proverbs–it’s only one line, but so much there!-“Disaster strikes like a cyclone, whirling the wicked away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.”
(I’ve only posted once before, but have been reading the OYB & blog comments.)
This one line…touches me-hurts me-haunts me-heals me — all at once. As I mentioned, disaster struck my family when the good Lord took my 4yr old daughter to be with Him, just 19 weeks ago. It’s a disaster, but she was not wicked…was an angel on earth! I’ve always had faith, but now it’s being tested and I’m here to listen and learn. I know there must be an eternal plan. My foundation/rock is God himself as well as my family, friends, neighbors and parish…they are all God to me…keeping the foundation of my faith in tact. Thank you Lord, for your love is shown to me in these people.
Peace!
Marty
======== Laura:
Welcome Marty to our community. I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I can understand your mixed emotions. God is our mighty healer. It’s nice to know that our ultimate destination is a place of no tears. And a place that we can all be at peace and one with the creater of the universe.
We look forward to having you onboard as we all go on this journey with OYB. Blessings and Peace to you.
Laura
======= Stacey:
Discipline and orderliness is is an interesting topic for me this week. I’ve been meditating on Jubilee since we read about it the other day. The thoughts about Jubilee sound something like this to me: “What is it that I have inherited in Christ that I have either sold off or neglected that God would like me to have back?” and “What do I need to be serious about reclaiming because He redeemed me and paid full price for it by dying on the cross?” (1 Pet 1:13-25)
And the result has been that I have been working on two personal self discipline projects. I have been humbled and have asked God to show me His way to accomplish and complete these disciplines. While praying about it and seeking the Counsel of the Holy Spirit, I was reminded by the Lord that self discipline is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. One who matures in their walk with Christ will also mature in self discipline. ( Gal 5:23, 2 Pet 1:6) For it is natural that when good seeds of life in the Holy Spirit are planted and nutured, good fruit will grow.(Gal 6:7-9) So I am in the process of allowing God to break up some fallow ground in my life and plant the good seeds of righteousnes and godliness which will become fruit that others will see in the form of orderliness and self discipline.
I grew up in a family of packrats and have enjoyed leaving that old life behind. Because of what the Lord has done in my life, I don’t think that anyone I know now would believe the situation I grew up in. In my childhood home, the outward extreme clutter and filth was just a symptom of the inward problems and struggles of physical and financial disorder and rebellion. My mother grew up in an extremely unhealthy perfectionistic environment where she would do nothing to please her mother. By the time I came on the scene, my parents procrastinated about everthing in life. Clutter piled up, bills piled up. If everything couldn’t be fixed immediately and perfectly, they would just procrastinate until”someday” when things would all work out. Procrastination is very crippling and our home was extremely disorganized and chaotic. And it just became too overwhelming for my parents to deal with any of it.
There was something about the overall chaos of my childhood home that seemed to give my parents excuses about their personal relationship with God. They were too busy and life was too complicated for them to give any time over to the Lord and to attending His church. Fortunately, my aunt and uncle took me to church and I found the way to escape my life of frantic chaos. Salvation through the blood of Jesus set me on the path of righteousness and my life has certainly been different than ” the empty way of life handed down by my forefathers” (1 Pet 1:18).
It was very interesting that years later in their 70’s, my parents really came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Now as my mom is living alone and trying to follow Christ with her whole heart, her apartment is neat, tidy and well organized. She takes care of eating well, exercising and spends a lot of her day with the Lord. He directs her path and she has completely given herself over to a life of loving obedience and discipline in Him. It’s all the fruit of seeking Him first of all and best of all, and giving Him first place in life. The proof is in the fruit.
I believe that walking in the Spirit and living for today is what plants the good seeds. Pretty soon you turn around and enjoy a whole tree full of goodness, blessing, discipline, and holiness as a gift from God.
Jeremiah 32:38 They will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them. 40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. 41 I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.
Stacey
======= Ramona:
Numbers 2:1-3:51
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. (Psalms 32:8 KJV)
I was really impressed upon reading these two chapters how God is interested and desires to not only love us, but to “order our steps.” More often than not we want to chose our paths and ask God to “bless” what we have chosen. Here, in today’s reading, God gives the order: where to pitch the tents and what order each tribe will march. Again, our blessing is tied up in our obedience just like Israel blessing and protection was tied up in her following God.
I must confess I am also a packrat, but about sixteen months ago when I had to remove things from my apartment so that my walls could be dismantled due to finding mold, I had to get rid of all those things I was saving because, “I probably could use that.” I’m not sure about this but I think the more we give our lives over to God, like Israel in the desert, God will show us where to pitch our tent and where to march and what to bring along, ordering our steps. I believe we hold on to things because somewhere in the back of our minds we think we will never have all the stuff again. But after all it’s just that, “stuff,” and that stuff doesn’t’ belong to us anyway; God is the creator of all things.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= John:
Ramona,
“I’m not sure about this but I think the more we give our lives over to God, like Israel in the desert, God will show us where to pitch our tent and where to march and what to bring along, ordering our steps.”
YES!!! Sorry, but this is SOOOO important. When we submit to the will of God and do the things (my post to Andrew 2 days ago) we are supposed to do joyfully and with reverence – then the blessings will flow and we can be directed toward Eph 2:10:
“we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
This is so hard for mankind. It is extremely hard for me. We have so much Pride, and too often we do the things we think we are to do in this world, rather than depend on direction from God.
If we ask for direction and don’t feel that we get it, we are at a loss. We cry out, What about “free will”? Yet Jesus is our greatest example. He did nothing that was not in His Father’s will. We will not be complete until we submit to the Father’s will. Do the things we are told. Do them joyfully. When we are in fellowship with God then the connection is strong, and He will show us the way in our lives.
Be obediant, be still(patient), and know that He is God.
The times I have done this in my life (albeit too infrequently), I am at peace because I know that I am in the Will of God. Rather than being restrictive, I can only tell you it is – an incredible feeling and “place to be” in our relationship with God.
John
======= Becky:
“What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted.” (Proverbs) This really stood out to me today, reminding me that God sees the good and the evil, and ultimately rewards accordingly.
But I think it’s also telling me that being focused on the negatives, on trying NOT to do something, or teaching children what NOT to do is not as powerful and life-giving as focusing on the positive, standing for –and thinking on– whatever is good, noble, beautiful, right, etc and showing our children what they SHOULD do. However, this is easier said than done, for me, anyway!
Becky
======= Laverne:
STACEY – thank u so much for reminding me of this scripture – ( Gal 5:23, 2 Pet 1:6)” ” I was reminded by the Lord that self discipline is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. One who matures in their walk with Christ will also mature in self discipline. – Sometimes I think I am so hard on myself. You are right as I have matured I have also become more nad more disciplined and obedient.
—————————
I have always been orderly, for me ALL things have a place even if I create one. I have a basket under my end table in the livingroom in it is my Discipleship Journal, Pray, Prevention and Simple magazine I have already read. On my desk in my office I have cups and trays to put pens, paper clips, stickey pads and bills. I love the Container Store, Hobby Lobby and any Wal-Mart store that offer knick nacks to help me remain organized.
—————————
U better believe I believe God is a God of order and the Holy Spirit does not disrupt. Which brings me to something I have wondered but I am sure will never get an answer. In my old church many people would fall down, get in the aisle and do their thing for long periods of time. I am not judging but as I have said the Holy Spirit does NOT disrupt.I’ve often wonder are these learned behaviors. I love worship and will get very excited and moved as a song ministers to my heart & soul or at the word preached I’ll jump right out of my chair, and encourage that paster, Rev. or minister, or when the choir is singing a song I sometimes get so moved I express it with my arms – they move freely, however I don’t think that is disruptive. We should be a people who are controlled & ware.
—————————
The verse that stuck out for me today was mark 12; 6-8 The owner had a son he loved very much. Finally, he sent his son to the renters because he thought they would respect him. 7But they said to themselves, “Someday he will own this vineyard. Let’s kill him! That way we can have it all for ourselves.” 8So they grabbed the owner’s son and killed him. Then they threw his body out of the vineyard.
I wonder if in my life do I show people that who my Father loved I love. I certainly hope so. I don’t want to be like the tenants.
Laverne
====== Sunny:
I am a packrat, I keep everything that has to do with Family Tree Stuff. I have most of it organized but my husband calls our computer room the fire attraction. Anything anyone sends me goes in the computer room. Maybe one day I will get it all organized but Life passes us by so fast that I chose to put it on the desk and dust plies on it then I forget about it until a month or two later.
God is a God of order you can tell that when it is our time to go. He picks those that are ready to see the Lord. Like my cousin for example, its not fair that he died so young but God had his order set up and took him at his precise time. My cousin’s wife moved away and I haven’t heard from her at all but she got to move away from amarillo and life must be better for her.
I think we are people of order for others but for ourself…well I am lacking in that aspect. I have everything organized when I go teach and when I teach my little boy but when it comes to me and ordering/organizing come to my house and I will show you!
Sunny
======= Mae:
Verses that stood out for me today:
Mark 12:17 “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God.” This reply completely amazed them.”
Psalm 47:10 “The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.”
Proverbs 10:24 “What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted.
Jesus? Will you pray to Jesus that He will be your Cornerstone now and forever? ~ Yes, I always ask Jesus to be my Cornerstone. He’s my Personal Saviour. I accepted Him as my Personal Saviour. Today we have been praying a lot for Jaden, we claimed Jesus’ blood on our lives and prayed for the little guy. We took Jaden to church this evening, I went to the altar as I do every service, but today we had a special healingservice. And we all do a lot better. I felt a difference! Even my stiff neck is healed!!! God was at our service tonight. I felt a change and I’m sure Jaden will do A LOT better tomorrow when he wakes up! It was a very intense day, so I’m keeping this short. But I really have to let you all know that God answered our prayers!!!! Allllllllllllll the prayes from allllllllllll over the world! Praise and thank the Lord for that!
Mae
======= Jenny:
I love Jesus’ answers when they tried to trap Him, always so perfect! Well because He IS perfect and God! :p Jesus is definitely the cornerstone and always will be! In my life, He sure is! Times in my life when He wasn’t, everything just fell apart for me! Even as a believer, if I wander away, if I take my eyes off Him, I fall! Fortunately I fall into His arms. =) As our Proverbs readings say, we have an everlasting foundation!
God is such a God or order! Look at the complexity of the body, every cell, its amazing!… look at the universe, the stars, planets, He keeps everything aligned by the very word from His mouth!
My mom was the biggest packrat! Haha. I was always so organized as a youngster she said I should write a book or teach classes on how I do it, haha. As I got older, I found it harder because of less time, but I’m not too bad. I call my room an organized mess! :p
I noticed after people in my life died I would go through and get rid of things. I only want to have what I actually use. I am very sentimental so I’ll keep some things I don’t use. When my mom, the queen packrat :p, died, we had to go through sooo much stuff and get rid of a lot…so I get on cleaning kicks when I think of the brevity of life. This may be silly, but I don’t want to leave a huge mess for others when I die, could be tonight, could be in 50 yrs. I try not to hold on too much value to anything material bcos it could be stolen, lost in a fire…for memories sake that would devastate me. But I know where my imperishable treasures are! =)
Jenny
======= Angie:
i’m a total pack rat and i love it. everything i keep means something very special to me or i hold a dear memory of. i keep every card, every letter/envelope, every picture which by the way i take a ton of, every chinese horoscope from the fortune cookie, every movie ticket stub, flowers and balloons i get, EVERYTHING! thats why i have SOOOOOOO many scrapbooks. they make me really happy when i go back through them all and see everything that i have kept my entire life. my first set of eye glasses, my first tooth i lost, my first lock of hair that was cut. its all about me and my life. i can’t get rid of it. its like throwing my life away and theres so much bout me. you know? i am pretty organized though. thats why i try to keep up with my scrapbooking and photo albums. i remember that stuff like it was yesterday. i know exactly where i was at, how old i approximently was, and how i felt at that time in my life. some are sad and some are really happy and some i’m extremely proud of. theres no way i’m going to throw all that away!!!!! so the best thing for me to do is keep it all in scrapbooks. thats the best advice i can give to another pack rat!!!! scrapbooks are great!!!!!
i loved psalms. i think i’m this big psalms chick on here!!!!! can’t help it. its my favorite book so far!!!!! i love music and loud music for that matter. always have and always will! so i can almost hear the those trumpets blaring and feel the music. and to me, thats a wonderful feeling in the world!!!!
Angie
======= Enid:
I have said for many years “The secret to success is to be organized” I believe this is true in all aspects of our lives.
Enid
======== Lisa:
Right now I am going to exercise self-control; well because it is part of our meditation scripture of the week.
Um, no because I have to think order as Mike pointed out God is a God of order.
O.K. – I am calm. :-). There is so much I want to share. I will try and be succinct about it.
We started in the book of Numbers this week – oh yes, did I mention this will be my first time reading the bible in one year? Now I understand why it is called the Book of Numbers – the 12 tribes are HUGH and that doesn’t include all the folks! No wonder the new king of Egypt (post-Joseph) was afraid! They could have slaughtered the Egyptian folks and taken names (smile)!! However, they would probably have preferred the booty instead.
Next, in the book of Mark, Jesus spoke -to put it mildly- about the cornerstone. I read it, but today I READ IT (without commentary :-)), as the Holy Spirit illumined this quote from Jesus within my spirit. WHEW!, no wonder they walked away. No one wants to be told about themselves, it is a hard pill to swallow – especially when truth hits the core of the heart!
And next, Psalm 47!!! How powerful. This is my meditation chapter, not a verse or word but the whole. And yes Mike, my spirit could not stop singing “Praise to my King”. I kept repeating it over and over again. Oh how wonderful! And what a great way to top off this Psalm with a series of praise songs!!!! Great stuff – thanks Mike!
Let the Redeem say SO!
Lisa
======= Julie:
My heart soared this morning reading Psalms, I love that when that happens!
As far as the clean-up, I went thru the same thing a month ago. I read that we have made our things our ruler & god, we work for them, we clean around them & we buy more! So I now have the midset that I pretend I am about to move into the most wonderful place & I don’t want any of that stuff again. Also a friend had a mother that died & it took 3 dumpsters to clear her house. I don’t want to be a burden to my children when I go.
Since I have cleaned up, I have had such a cleansing as I look around & all I have is what I need or really love. I can actually find my commentaries & all my books on shelves not in boxes which helps me with my studies. My mind is now full of all kinds of things I want to do & not in the doldrums any more.
The fruit of the Spirit always convicts me when I read it, in today’s world it is so hard to be that way. Thanks for reminding me!
Julie
======= Diana:
This is truly wonderful and I am amazed at the continuity and flow from the Old Testament to the New in my daily readings. This is my 2nd year of reading and I love it!
I, too, saw the organization of God in Numbers. He is the author of it and see Him as the organizer of everything.
I saw the Lord’s Heart yearning over the loss of Aaron’s 2 sons and filling that void with a whole tribe of Levites!
I see His Heart yearning over our lives: as a nation, as a people/tribe, as family, as individuals and finally looking right down into the very core of our being. It is easy to see that He simply had to get up off of His Throne and come down to save us for we have been destroying ourselves and He loves us too much.
Take a look at verse 1. Moses and Aaron, both leaders yet terrible things happened in their family. Both men living completely for God yet death strikes for not one but two sons because of a horrible mistake, disobedience. Wide open and laid bare are the triumphs and defeats of their lives but the Lord our Restorer and Redeemer took into account all of it and gave these two men even more…spiritual sons, the whole tribe of Levi!
Amazingly, after reading of the Lord’s authority in setting the tribes in order now we head straight into Mark 11 and discover that His authority was questioned by the “religious priests and teachers of the law”!
Jesus headed them off by giving them a question they could not answer. They said “we don’t know” revealing doubt, confusion and everything else that comes with unbelief. They could not see who Jesus is.
Then it hit me in Mark 12:1 “HE THEN BEGAN TO SPEAK TO THEM IN PARABLES…”
I am excited to say what I saw here…when we miss the mark and question God’s authority, His Word, whether spoken or written, we won’t have the understanding either of the Scriptures and our thinking and beliefs will not be correct.
It hits the very core of our being. Is His Word true or not? Do I believe that He can take care of my needs? Do I fully trust in Him as my Problem-Solver or Need-Meeter?
Wow…I love the challenge : )
Diana
======= Lori:
Sometimes when the “cyclone” hits, and the cyclones will always hit, I wonder if I am one of the wicked ones and I don’t know it. Fundamentally I don’t think so, but what if I am blind like so many are?
Lori
======= Lisa:
Hi Lori –
Why do you say you wonder if you are one of the wicked ones? Is that just to say that “there is none righteous” because we are born in sin?
I hope so!
Lisa
======== Lori:
No, It’s just that when I read the proverbs, and I think back on the difficult times I have had over the last couple years, it just makes me afraid that I am actually being punished. I am not used to the old testament God. I am used to a God who loves me and forgives and offers grace and mercy. I just want to be reassured that I am living “good” enough. I don’t even believe in living “good” enough, we are saved by grace and thank God we don’t really get what we deserve. I just never want to be deceived into complacency. If the trials in life are being brought on us by God, how do we know and how do we fix it?
Lori
======== Lisa:
Hi Lori,
That is a mouthful.
Let me share what I believe the Holy Spirit was speaking to my heart about on this matter, while I was praying for an answer to more than encourage you but that you would come to trust in His Word more and not get stuck in your fears.
Please consider meditating on the book of Romans, Chapter 8. Key verse is 35.
I also want to share this awesome commentary that hits right to the core of what you expressed.
For your study:
Read these verses (8:31-34) carefully, taking note of each single thing God is teaching us here. Honestly identify ways in which you allow yourself to be accused and condemned ‘ by your own heart/mind, by fellow human beings, especially Christians, and by, so you or others think, God himself. What are these verses telling you? Grasp hold of and thank the Lord for the powerful truth they teach, and ask him to help you to believe his Word here.
In 8:35-37 Paul gives a list of physical suffering and states that none of these can separate us from Christ’s love ‘ they can never mean God is condemning us. Even in the presence of these things ‘we are more than conquerors’. How? Through our own sinless lives? Through our own perfect, unwavering faith? No! ‘Through him who loved us.’ Suffering is suffering. It is not punishment for sin ‘ Christ, who loved us, bore all of that for us. It does not mean God has cut off his love ‘ God loved us while we still sinners, he is not going to cut us off now that he has placed us in Christ (Romans 5:1-11; 8:32). Christians who believe that suffering is because God is withholding his love because of their sin, or that their sin has blocked God’s love, are still perceiving their relationship with God as merit/performance based; they are assuming that God is still seeing them as they are in themselves ‘ kata sarka. They are not living with the grand and glorious reality that God no longer relates to them as individuals in their aloneness and nakedness, but relates to them always, ever and only in Christ ‘ kata pneuma.
8:38-39: Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ. Nothing can deny or undo our salvation. Not sin, not law, not death, not the law of sin and death, or the fact we are not Jews. Because our relationship with God is not based on any thing variable or changeable but on Christ to whom God has united us by his Spirit.
I pray this is most helpful Lori.
Shalom
Lisa
======= Lori:
Lisa, Thank you so much for your investment in my search. I sincerely appreciate your words and wisdom, and I will study this further. Thank you for your kindness.
Lori
======== Lisa:
Lori, I thank God for you and your honesty.
We all at some time or another in our life feel a sense of inadequacy. But, I thank God for Jesus and the reinforcement of His Word in both our lives.
I am glad you posted and that I was able for myself, as well as you to get encouraged again. I also will study further.
And you are quite welcome, that was the least that I could have done for my sister-in-Christ!
Lisa
======= Briggs:
In reading through the passages this morning and over the last several weeks, it seems odd to me how distant the LORD was from the Israelites.
He gave great detail regarding the construction of the tabernacle, the utensils and other implements of worship; more detail regarding the act of sacrificing the various animals, grain and wine for the many and detailed specific offerings; very specific detail in segregating the clean from the unclean; more detail regarding the certain feasts; and today more detail regarding how each tribe shall position themselves relative to each other and the tent of meeting.
He gave very specific detail regarding certain ‘acts’, yet no instruction on how to approach Him, no mention of prayer, seemingly no emphasis on the spirit or the heart of their worship.
In these recent chapters, I can’t help feeling that the Lord was very distant from the Israelites. He showed very little of who He was, or who we know Him to be as He revealed Himself in the New Testament, or how to seek a relationship with Him. He even said that if they approached certain areas of the tabernacle, those other than the Levites would be killed.
This seems so contrary to what the Lord is now seeking from His children among all the nations.
Briggs
======= Lily:
Wow I just wanted to share how Leviticus is not my least favorite book. Numbers is for it’s redundancy. But, I will get through it with the support of this community. On what Briggs said; I didn’t think about that much, but it is really true. Jesus had to rend the veil before we could have intimacy with God.
Lily
======= Elizabeth:
Hello,
The OT relationship between the Israelites IS drastically different than the NT fulfillment in Christ. I also struggle with the heavy ritualism of the OT and the seeming distance between the Lord and His people.
One thing that has always puzzled me is how modern day Jews practice their faith in real ways in the real world. So much of Judaism seems to be obscure laws, regulations, and specifications. I don’t “get” functional Judaism I guess. Is it more than just the rules to most Jews? It strikes me as a cold distant faith.
On another note–with regard to Mike’s question about being a pack rat– I am definitely a “saver” and a “recycler,” and I always feel like I am fighting the fine line between creativity and chaos. Stuff and organizing stuff can become a burden and bondage–whether we excel at the organization or not! I know some ladies with perfectly immaculate homes that live in bondage to that standard, and I have some dear friends who can’t seem to get out from underneath the mess of their stuff and their self-condemnation about not being able to keep a clean home.
I struggle with wanting to find a good use for something, thinking that “if I can just set it aside” I will find the right use in time. And I strongly dislike the disposable mentality of our culture…think it’s awful stewardship of His creation.
I guess it’s all about balance. When I think about this struggle, I think of that passage in Matthew:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
-Matthew 6:19-21
God created a physical world that reveals His glory and all He made is good, but I think it’s tempting to over-cling to things (or over-cling to a desire to “control” the things) if we are not careful. The things should not dominate our psyche and should definitely not take precedence over matters of the heart—like people.
Going back to my friends with very clean homes—I don’t always feel comfortable in their homes because they are so uptight about keeping them clean that I feel like the “cleanness” over-dominates their minds.
Sometimes I feel like the Jews must have become borderline obsessive-compulsive trying to keep up with all the minutia….
Just my two cents, ; )
Elizabeth
======= Nick:
re: packratism
isn’t everyone a ‘packrat’ to a certain extent? don’t we all fill boxes with rarely used things and store them away?
my question is this: will any of our boxes of stuff make it to the kingdom of God?
Nick
======== Frederick:
I echo with Mike’s mentioning of an adage “cleanliness is next to godliness”. I have a personal encounter with God that, when I started ordering my workplace and homestead, God commenced to disclose more of Himself to me.
Frederick
======= Raeann:
The book of Leviticus is ALL about the Hebrew laws given on mount Sinai. The sanctuary had to be built using certain materials and to VERY exact specifications. There were three week long feasts a year that everyone had to attend at the sanctuary. The people had to give twice daily offerings at the sanctuary for an aroma pleasing to God. There were laws for dealing with sick people, mold and the poor. The priests wore ornate robes to stay pure when they ministered to the people and lived by a strict code of conduct. A justice system was given and laws and punishments were established. God promised to bless his people as long as they followed His laws and statutes. What animals you could and could not eat, sexual immorality, women had to be separated during there periods, priests could not touch a dead body, dress should be modest and you had to honor your father and mother, ALL of these laws were thoroughly discussed in the book of Leviticus.
Raeann
======= Sheena:
I’m a little bit of a packrat, but I’m in a spring cleaning/decluttering mode right now. I’m just doing it a little at a time. I do believe that God is a God of order. Just looking at how the universe works, and how seasons change and rotate, and the laws and guidelines he gave his people – how can you believe anything different? It makes me glad, because I’m a Sheena of order as well. : ) I like having processes and guidelines and schedules. I don’t think people who aren’t like that are ungodly, because I think just generally as people we live in order, not in chaos. We have laws and standards that we all live by. If we were living in filth and anarchy – that might be a different story. But yes, I think God is of order and so should we be.
Sheena
======= Janice:
God is so orderly as we can see by the way he positions the tribes. He wants order in our lives too, but I do have clutterd times in my life and it is hard to focus. When I get things organized, I can see everything much clearer. What stood out to me in Numbers today is where God is positioned. Right in the middle of the tribes. That is where he wants to be in our lives as well –right smack tab in the middle.
Janice
======== Reuben:
Mike shows us a map of the basic layout of the Israelite’s camp in the desert. For a further interesting observation on the shape of the camp as viewed from above, read here: http://ldolphin.org/camp.html The numbers of people given for each tribe would cause the camp to appear as the sign of the Cross. That’s what Balak and Balaam would have seen when they went up on the high place to attempt to curse the Israelites a few chapters later in this book!
Reuben
======= Bobbie:
Well, it is sad to say that there are still many people who does’nt know who the true cornerstone of our lives.Jesus the cornerstone must be lifted up in our life. Our lives should be in aligned w/ all His teachings.I am very much thankful that God open my eyes and choose me to be an instrument for other people to know God inspite of their fears and sicked bodies tormented with different illness still God is so gracious to let them know that there is God.
Bobbie
======= Liz:
Yesterday, a friend who is also reading the same Through-the-Bible plan told me that Numbers had convicted her that she needed to get rid of the clutter and unnecessary things so if God called her to “move” she would be able to.
I have always been a kind of packrat. Saving things, just in case… Of course the scriptures about treasures in Heaven and corrupting and rusting come to mind, too.
Last night, I had my daughter-in-law come over and help me start purging the unnecessary out of my house. Starting with the closets. It’s just a beginning, but I already feel freer and that means I am making room in my thoughts to allow for more service to the Lord.
Many people do not relate the clutter to a hindrance to serve. I don’t agree with “cleanliness is next to godliness” but I am beginning to understand why the adage from long ago, in a simpler age was used. You cannot make full use of your gifts if you are always in a state of disarray or clutter. Hoarding is lack of faith.
Anyway, that’s how He’s working in my life right now. I want to be free mentally and physically from things that would distract me from service.
Liz
======= Steve:
Mark 12:1-12 The parable of the wicked vineyard tenants
The bible uses metaphors, often agricultural such as vineyards, orchards and the bearing of fruit to drive home a point. We are called to be fruitful, if we are not fruitful it’s because we’re not listening and not yielding to the Holy Spirit. The parable of the wicked vineyard tenants at first glance seems to be speaking of some distant really bad people that have taken over the owner’s vineyard by committing murder and stealing the vineyard from the rightful owner. I know that is how I perceived this parable at first. After reading several commentaries on this parable it became evident that this parable is like an onion skin, the more it’s peeled the more layers we begin to see and the closer we get to our own association with the wicked tenants.
.
In the parable Jesus indicts the same people God delivered from bondage in Egypt, reminding them that God also sent them messenger after messenger only to have great men of God like Elijah, Elisha Isaiah and Jeremiah rejected or killed as they refused the call to repentance. So, are we like the wicked tenants? Are we giving God the portion of our lives that is due for our tenancy here on earth? We are the vineyard (the church) and we must ask ourselves what will happen when the owner of the vineyard returns? As Christians, God will not see us as those who killed His Son but as those who the Son willingly died for. This parable for me was like having cold water thrown in my face, waking me up to the reality that every time I willingly sin, I’m the wicked tenant rejecting the voice of the master. God’s word provides such balanced teachings, the wisdom of the Old Testament law and wonder of His New Testament grace, the wonder of His constant forgiveness.
On Mike’s question “Do you think that God is a God of order? Should we be people of order?”
I am a person of order? Please don’t ask my wife the answer to that question? I stand firmly on being a person of Semi-Order as I cop to the garage contents, many of which are deferred decisions that someday I will reckon with.
But seriously, I do believe as we turn the reigns over to the Lord, He will to the degree we allow Him access make us people of order. The benefits of living as people of order are paramount. Getting rid of clutter and having things in order frees from distraction and helps us put our priorities in proper sequence. Thanks Mike for giving me a better perspective as I launch the Spring cleaning, I am going to look at it differently, not as a chore but more as an opportunity to be included in the headcount of God’s people of order.
Steve
======= Cathy:
Thanks for all your comments. It truly help to have better understanding of God’s words.
Cathy
======== Herb:
The tribe of Judah was placed at the entrance of the tabernacle. The meaning of the name Judah is Praise. That means that in order to enter the tabernacle they had to enter through Praise the same way we enter God’s presence today. Just a thought
Herb
======= Joyce:
Mike,
It’s still hard for me to focus and concentrate as I read the Old Testament passages.
I am grateful that your comment and others’ comments bring new lights/interesting angles to look at these passages – thank you all!
Hopefully as I press on reading in the Old Testament each day, I will find importance in the details too.
May our faithful God continue to use this blog to bless many with His Truth!
Sincerely,
Joyce
======== Jeff:
Glad to have made it through all the laws in Leviticus. But so far in Numbers it looks like more rules (about census and organization of tribes). I hope the OT moves on to something less tedious SOON!
Godspeed,
Jeff
======= Robert:
Numbers
Being Organized.
There was a Japanese Show that became viral a few years ago and everyone around the water cooler was talking about the way Marie Kondo organized things. “The most important thing about tidying up is thinking about what you would lke to keep”. I believe her advice is still relevant today so watch if you need some motivation and tips.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/JJwN4PQv_So?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent
Robert
======== Dee:
Adding to Mikes comment up above. I struggle with being a “packrat” too. So you are not alone. I try to seasonally go through my closets and get rid of or donate to our community outreach but at times its still hard to part with “stuff” which is sad, but I am working on it. Currently with doing this blogs and enjoying them every morning with cup of Joe, I do online schooling each day working on my teaching degree. I am trying to get the time in, to do a few things in orderly fashion, like scrapbooking (all my pics are everywhere)and coupon organizing, I am a coupon nut! but I love to save a buck!! : ) However, I really try and strive to live out and look up to Proverbs 31 woman, I love all that she does, especially Prov 26: When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. I think a little in alignment with Ramona, it is who we are following and giving honor to God and He will direct our paths, but in statement with Frederick, I have also found out when my paths are orderly, God works and speaks to me more. Its like He is saying, “Ok, I can trust you with this small thing, let me teach you another level into orderliness..” Like building the temple or organizing the tabernacle, you have to have the foundation stable before the Lord will order the next steps to go forth in the ongoing project. We are ongoing projects, and that is great! Just make sure you are always growing and not remaining stagnant! Be blessed~~
Dee
