Leviticus 25:47-27:13 + Mark 10:32-52 + Psalm 45:1-17 + Proverbs 10:22
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Old Testament – Today in Leviticus chapter 25 we finish up reading about the Year of Jubilee. I don’t know what it is about the Year of Jubilee, but for some reason I really like the concept of it! I actually read a commentary that said there is no evidence that the Year of Jubilee was actually ever carried out, which made me a bit sad. However, that same commentary suggested that the Year of Jubilee was ultimately fulfilled through the life of Jesus, as Jesus himself quotes this very Year-of-Jubilee-ic 🙂 sounding verse from Isaiah in Luke chapter 4 verses 18-21: ““The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”” Whaddya think? Think the concept of the Year of Jubilee was indeed fulfilled in the life of Jesus? I do. And we don’t need to count down 50 years from now until the next Year of Jubilee. The Year of Jubilee is available to each of one of us today! I came across this beautiful piece of artwork below called “Year of Jubilee” – see anything in this artwork that might be pointing toward Jesus?
Leviticus chapter 26 is a great look at the blessings of obedience and punishments for disobedience. As I read through the punishments for disobedience my mind instantly went to where, later in the Bible, Israel would indeed walk down the path of disobedience – and ultimately be punished with the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile into Babylon. For those going through the One Year Bible for more than the first time, I am sure you probably recognized this as well. What is interesting to keep in mind that these words of God were written by Moses nearly 1,000 years before the Babylonian exile. This reminded me again of how powerful God’s Word truly is – and how true it really is. And it reminded me that even in our modern times, the Bible is still truth, and the teachings of Jesus are still relevant now 2,000 years later… Truth is truth. We may be inconsistent, but God is not. Are you walking in the path of obedience in your relationship with God? Are you walking in Truth?
Verses 44 & 45 in this chapter stood out to me as a reminder that even though God punishes disobedience, he leaves room for repentance and he allows for a remnant to carry on the covenant: ““But despite all this, I will not utterly reject or despise them while they are in exile in the land of their enemies. I will not cancel my covenant with them by wiping them out. I, the LORD, am their God. I will remember my ancient covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of Egypt while all the nations watched. I, the LORD, am their God.” And verses 12 & 13 in this chapter are awesome: “I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people. I, the LORD, am your God, who brought you from the land of Egypt so you would no longer be slaves. I have lifted the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk free with your heads held high.” Do you believe that God walks among us today? Is God your God? And are you His? Has the yoke of slavery from sin been lifted from your neck? Are you walking free today with your head held high?
New Testament – In Mark chapter 10 verse 33 today we read Jesus’ third and last prediction of his death to the disciples in Mark’s Gospel. You’ll note the two previous predictions are at Mark 8:31 & 9:31. Crucifixion is not explicitly stated by Jesus in this verse, but it is implied in that he states he will be handed over to the Romans. The Romans in this era killed non-Romans via crucifixion.
Verse 45 I think is such an important verse in the Bible for us to really meditate upon and understand, as this verse summarizes Jesus’ ministry and purpose so succinctly and powerfully: “For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.” Jesus was not your typical “King – who lords it over the people beneath him”. He did not come to be served. But to serve. And he gave his life as a ransom for our sins. Via crucifixion. For some reason in this Lenten / pre-Easter season I am thinking more and more about Jesus’ Passion and what he did for each of us on the cross. It’s really really humbling to think about. But so good I think for each of us to reflect upon the ransom that was paid for us by Jesus. The Suffering Servant. The King. The Savior of the World.
In today’s readings we read about Jesus healing Bartimaeus, who was blind. You’ll notice that Bartimaeus seems to have a very “expectant” faith! He expects that Jesus will heal him. But, it’s not expectation alone that demonstrates his faith in Jesus – Bartimaeus verbalizes that Jesus is the Messiah, when he calls him “Son of David!” in verse 48. It was known that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David, and Bartimaeus clearly believed. Is there anything today you can learn from Bartimaeus and his expectant faith?
Psalms – Psalm 45 is very likely a song of praise to King David on his wedding day. Interestingly, after the Babylonian exile, this Psalm was applied to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the promised Son of David. I can see how some verses in this Psalm could apply to both the current king of the day and the true king yet to come. Verse 7 is a good example: “You love what is right and hate what is wrong. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.” Below is Mary’s (Martha’s sister) anointing of Jesus from the Gospel of John chapter 12 verses 1-8.
Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verse 22 is short but powerful! “The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” I love that thought – we should have no sorrow with the blessings God gives! God does not add the sorrow. We might… but, with God’s blessings should come joy and thanksgiving and praise! What are 3 things in your life today that God has blessed you with? Will you take a moment to be joyful in these blessings, and thank and praise God for them?
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Mark reminded me of the fantastic song “True Love” by Phil Wickham. Here’s a great live version of the song. Make sure you watch past the short opening interview and worship to this powerful song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL7Uo__ss7g
Do you know your True Love? Click here for Love Eternal!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will not seek to be served in this life, but will instead seek to serve. Pray that you will have a servant’s heart. Pray that you will serve like Jesus served.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
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======= Ramona:
Leviticus 25:47-27:13
I’m trying to see the difference between a resident foreigner “owning” an Israeli (fifty years) and a fellow Israeli (seven years), why the huge discrepancy? Is it because one should have went to a fellow country men first before selling oneself to a foreigner living in the country? This little dilemma is one I will think about.
We know through reading of the Prophets, especially Jeremiah and Ezekiel and the historical books of Ezra and Nehemiah that Israel never in acted the Sabbath rests nor the Jubilee year and because they didn’t, they went into captivity to Babylon for 70 years which represented the total Sabbath year rests, plus the Jubilee years. God commanded the rests; however Israel didn’t take them voluntarily, but she still took them involuntarily. What God has commanded will come to pass even when we rebel and don’t cooperate.
Blessings and curses, is it God blessing and cursing us, or is it the effect of a cause, obeying or disobeying a command. I believe when we obey God, there is a natural sequence of events, or causes, that happen because of our obedience. When we disobey God the same thing happens except those consequences are not beneficial to our well being and prosperity. In previous posts I noted that God told Israel that the land he was giving them had “vomited” out its original inhabitants because of their “sin” and if they sinned, it would vomit them out also. (Leviticus 18:25,28; 20:22). Blessings and curses are natural occurrences of our obedience or disobedience to the Word of God effecting our own bodies, those of our households, community and nation, as well as the land we stand on.
Mark 10:32-52
Again Jesus teaches them about His death, but they just don’t get it. If I were around, would I have gotten it? Probably not. I think it is near impossible to “get it” when you have your own agenda going on in your head. We project our own desires onto the God’s agenda, mudding the waters of righteousness. But even though we mess with the purpose and call of God, we can never change, defeat or hinder God’s plans.
Blind Bartimaeus is another blind man that saw that Jesus was the son of David, the Bread of Life, born in the House of Bread, Bethlehem (which means House of Bread), but called a Nazarene. If Jesus was the son of David, then Jesus was the promised Messiah. And a man with no sight saw what people who supposedly had vision couldn’t see.
May all those who visit this sight have their spiritual eyes and ears opened and see past the natural limitations of seeing and hearing. Amen
Psalm 45:1-17
What I noticed when I looked at this Psalm was not the content of the Psalms but the directive to the choir director. This Psalm was to be sung and the music used was not composed for this Psalm but was taken from a love song called Lilies. I wonder if that shocked the folks of the day.
Proverbs 10:22
When the Lord blesses you not only are you a person of wealth, which doesn’t mean you have a lot of money, your new position of affluence and prosperity doesn’t come with headaches. I think it’s time for me to reexamine what true “riches” are.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Mark:
Leviticus 26:11 “I’ll set up my residence in your neighborhood; I won’t avoid or shun you; 12I’ll stroll through your streets. I’ll be your God; you’ll be my people. 13I am GOD, your personal God who rescued you from Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians. I ripped off the harness of your slavery so that you can move about freely.
Egypt is often used in scripture as a symbol or type of Satan and his domain. So verse 13 could take on a special meaning for today’s church, i.e. that God is the one who has delivered us from lifestyles (nature) devoted to sin – “ripping off” (I love the picture this evokes) the harness of our slavery, allowing us to move about freely. Reminds me of the gentle words spoken by Jesus when He invites: “Come unto me all you who are weary and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Mark 10:45 That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served–and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage.”
Hello, the gospel in the Torah is echoed here in the words of Christ!
Psalm 45:10 “Now listen, daughter, don’t miss a word:
forget your country, put your home behind you.
11 Be here–the king is wild for you.
Since he’s your lord, adore him.
As the Bride of Christ, we can revel in the love that our King, our bride-groom has for us — He is wild for us!! We can forget about our origins, no matter how sordid. We have a new citizenship, a new home and a new allegiance. Adore Him!
Proverbs 10:22 GOD’s blessing makes life rich;
NOTHING we do can improve on God.
Period.
Mark
======= Andrew:
Wow! OYB keeps up a relentless pace. Yesterday a tough discussion on the death penalty. Today we get to imagine a Year of Jubilee!
What would that be like for us? All our mortgages cancelled, all our credit card accounts back to zero, all our employment contracts ended? Everyone back to square one with his ‘original’ land (whatever that is) and his herds and flocks (savings). Today a big party and tomorrow everyone to the marketplace to make new deals for the next 50 years. Hard to imagine.
But I do believe Jesus came to fulfill something like that. A new era, a new deal, a new relationship between man and God, a life of freedom as citizens of His Kingdom, a life empowered by the Spirit of God (Eph 1:19). So the Jubilee should be a walking-on-the-water party!
Re Mike’s question about the picture:
It is not altogether clear to me. I suppose the people are looking for the first rays of the dawn on the first day of the Year of Jubilee, the day they are set free. Is that person reaching up to try to catch the first rays? What is that in beyond the people? Water, strangely coloured by the orange dawn? Maybe that is the place for the walking-on-the-water party!
Sorry if that seems facetious or irreverent. It is meant to be more of a challenging question. Maybe I am running ahead in the OYB programme. We still have to get through quite some Torah and we are still in the Gospels and not yet in Acts. But I do have questions about why we as believers are not booming with more of the power of the Spirit, why are we not manifesting a bright new life, why we are not celebrating a perpetual Year of Jubilee?
Andrew
======= Ramona:
Andrew,
I was kinda of think’n the same thing but from a different perspective. I read and reread the Leviticus reading four times this morning and will probably do the same thing during the day. My question to God was, “Is this command, thus the consequences and blessings for us, or is this, was this, specifically for Israel?” If today’s believers can tap into this, why haven’t we and what consequences of our failure are being brought into the lives of our children?”
Lots to think and pray about.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= John:
Andrew,
“But I do have questions about why we as believers are not booming with more of the power of the Spirit, why are we not manifesting a bright new life, why we are not celebrating a perpetual Year of Jubilee?”
Being a born again Christian for about two years now, I look around the Christians I know, and I have observed this:
I have noticed some 60 – 90 year old people that have walked with the Lord for a LONG time. They absolutely glow, their manner is so gentle, their beliefs so firm, their love of Christ so deep, the Holy Spirit seems to just shine through their skin.
Back in my Christian infancy, I asked them what they believed, how they acted out that belief, how they handled adversity, etc.?
Going to sound like a broken record, but the bottom line is they were faithful in reading the “Word”, prayer, worship, obediance, and the discipline of applying what they learned from all the above, (and throw in a little fasting:). I asked, “because I wanted what they had.”
I have experianced in my brief walk with Christ, some of the blessings of God through the Holy Spirit. It always happens when I am faithful in my prayer, Bible Study, my worship, my desire to do God’s will; not my will, and my resistance to temptation (especially regarding sins from my past life). The blessings are manifested in addictions being removed, opportunities to witness and share the “Word”, financial blessings, handling of situatons different than I would have in the past, and a perceived difference in me by others (especially non-believers), etc.
My prayer is that I can stay in that state of reverence and obediance in a more consistent manner. I believe this will increase the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in my life and be pleasing to God.
Conversely, if I do not do the things pleasing to God, and I am haphazard in the areas listed above, I believe my growth in Christianity gets “stunted” or “stuck”. Perhaps then the task of the Holy Spirit becomes one of teaching, correcting, disciplining, and molding me, rather than just being a pure conduit for the flow of God’s blessings.
[Note: the last sentence is one of pure conjecture on my part.]
John
======= Andrew:
Hi Ramona,
Any further thoughts on consequences of the Leviticus passage for us today?
And what general principles do we have for determining which of the Law applies to us and which was specific for the Israelites, but is not intended for us now?
Thanks,
Andrew
======== John:
Ramona,
I’ll bite, even though I get the distinct feeling this was a rhetorical question.
Leviticus 26:46
These are the decrees, the laws and the regulations that the LORD established on Mount Sinai between himself and the Israelites through Moses.
Chapter 26 is about the Blessings and Curses of the LAW (repeated again in Deut???) as it applies to the Sons of Israel (Hebrew translation for Israelites – i.e. twelve tribes).
For us, as you and I have both stated the “Curse” of the Law was nailed to the Cross, and the Law is now written in our hearts. As the “spiritual seed” of Abraham, I believe when we are obediant and faithful to God’s internal commands, the blessings of God will flow to us. They are not related to the covenant promises to Israel, but nonetheless they are blessings in our lives.
When we are disobediant, the curses no longer apply, but God will discipline consistent and habitual disobediance. Hopefully we, as Christians, will be so convicted by the Holy Spirit over our disobediance that we will repent, confess our sins, and return to fellowship with God.
If the curse of the law was nailed to the cross for the “spiritutal seed” of Abraham, and the curses above apply to the nation of Israel, then:
I do not believe anything is passed down to children due to our habitual transgressions. I think this will come up later during the Bible Study, so I leave it at that for now.
John
======= Ramona:
Leviticus 25:47-27:13
The year of Jubilee seems to be a release for the children of Israel from the consequences of “bad” choices. Children would not be penalized for bad financial choices their parents made. The God of restoration provided His people, His servants with a means to restore what they had lost through bad choices or unforeseen circumstances. However all of this restoration, at least in their lifetime was contingent on them “obeying.” Their obedience would insure the weather would fit the “seasons” for sowing and reaping. Their obedience in keeping the Sabbath rests for the land insured that the land would keep them.
Is this meant for us today? Can believers, should believers expect the same thing? First, I’m not so sure these promises are for anybody outside of Israel; however, each and everyone who calls themselves a Christian has had to face there own deliverance from the bondage of sin into the land of freedom, liberty from the cords of sin. With freedom comes responsibility: responsibility to walk in that freedom comes by way of walking in obedience. Obedience and/or submission to God is not perceived as being free by many believers, including Christians. In truth, we want the “freedom” to do what we want; but not the “freedom” to receive the consequences of our failed choices. Consequences, our consequences, we would prefer someone else other than us to either remove them from us or accept them and claim, “It’s may fault for letting you be free.”
Because I’ve read through to the end and been on this journey several times, I know how this story will end, the people could not obey the Law, but Jesus came to complete or fulfill the Law. He came to do what no one else could do. Jesus is the one who removed our consequences.
I am struggling with some of the things I am seeing in our youth. Choices, bad ones, they are making because of the choices their parents have made. Parents breaking faith with their God and the children rejecting that God and crying out “Hypocrites!” This is not a new model, Israel did it back in the “day.” Yet the Jesus I serve is the Jubilee restoring the “land” of the forefathers back to “In the beginning …”
Andrew B asked me what I saw in today’s passage but not in those words. What I see is the promise of Jubilee. Whether I am experiencing it now or fail to see signs of it in the future, today’s reading tells me it is already here. I don’t know if it is for us, I don’t know if the land is still “vomiting” out its inhabitants (See: Leviticus 18:24-29), but if is or if it ain’t it is still commanded that God’s people, not the elected officials or the king or queen, to Obey.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)
Grace and peace,
Ramona
========= Micah Girl:
I am seeking to embrace Lent this year, although it’s not really from my tradition. I am taking up a discipline of time which I have just attempted to articulate on my blog. Basically, I am meditating on, looking at, and being intentional about how I use my time so that God can make me more useful to Him.
Micah Girl
======= Jayne:
This Lent, I just want to grow in my faith and continue reading the bible and learn!
Jayne
======= Stacey:
I love the idea of Jubilee. But it is so disappointing to realize God’s people never really took Him up on His offer of restoration. I feel the same sadness over those who believe in God, but never do take up His offer of salvation in Jesus Christ and the awesome Jubilee power of the Holy Spirit.
God is very big and very faithful. He really just has asked for one big thing from us all whether Israelites or present day Christians. My favorite verse about the blessing and cursing of generations is found in Exodus 20:1 And God spoke all these words:
2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.
And from Jesus: John 14: 15″If you love me, obey my commandments. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. 17He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. 18No, I will not abandon you as orphans–I will come to you. 19In just a little while the world will not see me again, but you will. For I will live again, and you will, too. 20When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them. And I will reveal myself to each one of them.”
John 14:23Jesus replied, “All those who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and live with them. 24Anyone who doesn’t love me will not do what I say. And remember, my words are not my own. This message is from the Father who sent me. 25I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 26But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative–and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit–he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you.
New life, restoration and the beautiful walk of the beloved in the Holy Spirit. That my friends is Jubilee!
Stacey
======= Ramona:
Leviticus 27: 1-8
Yesterday, March 2nd, I read something that caught my attention, I made a mental note of it but I forgot to mention it when I wrote my comments.
1GOD spoke to Moses. He said, 2″Speak to the People of Israel. Tell them: If anyone wants to vow the value of a person to the service of GOD, 3set the value of a man between the ages of twenty and sixty at fifty shekels of silver, according to the Sanctuary shekel. 4For a woman the valuation is thirty shekels. 5If the person is between the ages of five and twenty, set the value at twenty shekels for a male and ten shekels for a female. 6If the person is between one month and five years, set the value at five shekels of silver for a boy and three shekels of silver for a girl. 7If the person is over sixty, set the value at fifteen shekels for a man and ten shekels for a woman. 8If anyone is too poor to pay the stated amount, he is to present the person to the priest, who will then set the value for him according to what the person making the vow can afford.
In the 3rd verse it states that a man is valued @ fifty shekels of silver (NLT) if they are vowed in the service of God. I immediately thought of Judas who negotiated the price of 30 pieces of silver for “turning in” Jesus, the value of a woman. A man and a religious body who never even realize the magnitude of their transaction undervalued Jesus who did indeed make a vow in the service of God, to be crucified to pay for our sins. God’s will and plan overrides all our plans and schemes. His will gets down despite wither our misplaced good or even bad intentions. God rocks and rules.
Ramona
======= Laura:
Question regarding Lent: I attended an Ash Wednesday service for the first time. I was a very glad that I did. Our service was very different than usual. Our pastor told us that we wouldn’t have to give up anything for Lent, but to add a few things. One of those things, is that we accept our babtisim and Christ’s forgiveness.
The service started out with a silent prayer and than a greeting that went as follows: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you” and we responded, “And also with you”. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless God’s Holy name”. Our response: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all God’s benefits”. Paster: “Who forgives all your sins and heals all your infimities”. People: “Who redeems your life from the grave and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness”. Response: “Bless the lord who forgives all our sins. God’s mercy endures forever”.
We than sang some hymns, heard scripture, had another responsive reading. Thanksgiving over the ashes was discussed, “The Lord be with you and also with you”
Than there was the imposition of ashes. We were asked to come forward, kneel at the altar to receive the ashes on our foreheads. Afterwards there was a Psalm of confession said in unison.
One of the things that was different about this service was that we had an exchange of forgiveness. We had the opportunity to share exchanges of forgiveness with several people around us. We said “Forgive me my sister/brother” and we were to respond with “May God forgive us both” After that we sang Psalm 51: CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me. And cast me not from your presence, O Lord, Take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore me, the joy of my salvation, And renew a right spirit within me”.
After that we did communion, lite prayer candles,during this time if we wanted to we had an opportunity to give a prayer request. The rest of the service was very beautiful and proceeded as follows:
THE LIGHTING OF PRAYER CANDLES
The flame rising up to heaven represents our prayers ascending to God and empowering our acts of obedience. The sap of the Frankincense tree and other aromatic substances have been used in honor of God and have been associated with the worship of God since God commanded Moses to burn incense to Him in the tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 30). The use of incense in worship continued through New Testament times, the magi offered frankincense to the Christ Child in honor of His High Priestly role, and its use has continued in the worship of the New Testament Christian church to the present day. Incense today represents our fragrant offering to God, the prayers of the saints worship of God in Heaven. Today we light candles to show how the prayer of the saints raise like incense and are ever before the throne of God.
THE EXCHANGE OF FORGIVENSS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE LENTEN SEASON:
Another ancient and traditional Christian practice is the asking and exchanging of forgiveness one with another on the evening preceding the first day of Lent. The Lenten season of preparation with its associated disciplines of prayer, fasting, almsgiving and renewed service to Christ and His church is almost as old as the Church itself, and early Christians recognized the importance of beginning the season in unity and reconcilliation, Thus the practice of the exchange of forgiveness was initiated, in which, during the final evening service before Lent, believers go to each other (if possible, to all in attendance, if not practical and exchange the words, “Forgive me, my brother(sister)! to which the other responds, “May God forgive us both!” This beautiful act of fellowship was truly a healing and restoring experience. As the body of Christ it enables us to begin the journey towards the celebration of the Resurrection together.
THE IMPOSITION OF ASHES
The imposition of ashes on our foreheads in the form of a cross is a reminder of our mark of discipleship. Submitting to the imposition reminds us that we are to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus, even as He sets His face toward Jerusalem. In our humble obedience to walk with Him through the time of preparation, we kneel for the imposition and again accept the mark of Jesus own sufferings on our own lives. The ashes are a sign of deep grief and repentance. (Daniel 9:3, Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13) Historically those grieving the loss of a loved one or the deep grief of recognizing their own sins would sit in sackcloth and ashes. It is a sign of our need to repentance and a reminder or our own mortality. The traditional word of imposition are, “From dust thou art and to dust thou shalt return” and “repent and believe the good news”. Yet, the sign doesn’t end there; the mark of the cross reminds us that though we are dust, Jesus loved us enough to die for us and will walk with us to the victory of Easter and Life Abundant (John 10:10)!
GREETINGS & HAND SHAKE BLESSINGS
The sign of the fish (an acronym for Christians showing they believed Jesus to be the Son of God and our Savior)was a common way to greet people during times of persecution. Other Christians would recognize the sign and hopefully, it would appear a mindless act to non-believers. Similarly to encourage each other, Christians couldn’t always openly speak words of comfort and hope. Instead they furtively did a handshake blessing by crossing their fingers as they shook hands. This signified the blessing. “May Christ have victory in your life”.
I hope this wasn’t too long and you enjoyed my sharing of information about our Ash Wednesday service. Blessings…..
Laura
========= Sandy:
Hi, everyone. This is my first post to any site ever! Did anyone see the cross glowing in the picture of Jubilee? That is what I’m aiming toward, and the only place of rest or celebration for us Christians. Jubilee is an interesting subject, one which gives me great joy as I see God as a God who celebrates!
I have found this OYB study site as a great addition to my study and quiet times. I read in ESV (I’m an NASB person, but they don’t do OYB and ESV is the closest) and then check out Matthew Henry’s thoughts, and then the blog. I like the pictures! Thanks.
Sandy
======= Birdie:
Yes, Sandy I saw the glowing cross. Beautiful!
For Ash Wednesday this year our pastor did something a bit different, too. First of all he had the imposition of ashes given by children because he said ashes represents our sin and the priest or pastor should not be the one to do it. I’m not sure I follow his reasoning on that one. Then after the imposition of ashes, he had part of the baptism service and as part of that we went forward and washed our ashes away, as if Jesus was washing our sins away in the baptismal waters. It was different!
Birdie
======= Cheryl:
I attend an Episcopal church. We have start by having a pancake supper on Shrove (Fat) Tuesday. We put away the Alleluia Banner and burn the palms left over from last years Palm sunday service. The ashes from the burned palms are used during Ash Wednesday service. This is a deeply moving service. It is a good way to evangelize when people come up to you all day and tell you that there is dirt on your forehead,:) We have a simple supper every wednesday evening during lent of soup and bread. This is a big difference from the hardy meals we have on wednesdays the rest of the year. I have given things up in the past but not this year. My son is in Iraq and I am praying so hard for him that I did not give up anything this year. On Palm Sunday we gather in the parking lot and process into the church singing Hosanna and waving our palms. Some years we even have a donkey to march around the church yard. Holy week has some kind of a service every day. I especially love the Maundy Thursday service-we actually take turns in a footwashing ceremony for each other by candlelight. Good Friday service is also moving-the entire altar is stripped and made bare. Some member of the church stays in the church to pray for an hour( members sign up for what hour they want) all the way until sunrise easter morning service. This is the great vigil-I have not yet done this but I plan to at some point. Even though we are a Christian church we also have passover meal on Good Friday with the unleavened bread and the bitter herbs and the jewish readings. This meal is by candlelight. This is also a beautiful service and is very helpful for teaching our children. Every Friday during Lent we (can) walk the stations of the cross-we have the stations plaques up on the pillars in the church. We have sunrise service and regular 1030 service on Easter and the Alleluia banner returns and the altar is dressed again! There are many Passion plays around my city but I’ve never been to one. We did have a special showing of Mel Gibson’s movie for our church the year it came out-there is no way to decribe that experience! During Lent we traditionally do not have weddings or baptisms but always have baptisms on Easter sunday. We have a 3-4 foot wooden cross covered with chicken wire. Everyone brings flowers to church and the children go up front and “flower”the cross. The ugly cross becomes beautiful as the children put their flowers on it. The chidren are given “mite” boxes to fill with pennies and other change during Lent and they bring their boxes up during the offering. We have alot of traditions and ceremonies but nothing can compare to the sacrifice Jesus made for us. I tell my children when they complain about having to go to church so much during Holy week that He gave so much for us, the least we can do is remember His death and celebrate His resurrection and where better than by going to church and by prayer and Bible readings. I may not be the best person, I know I am a sinner, I probably could be a better wife and mother, but I KNOW my children have heard the message of salvation all their lives and even at 17, my twin daughters are bringing all their friends to church with us, youth services and Sunday school. Now if the Holy Spirit could just save my brother-in-law that would be a great thing….His name is Chris-please pray for him.
Cheryl
======= Pam:
In reading the Psalm today, it was so joyful! I see it as the mariage feast of the Lamb – We are His bride!
The image of “Ester” from the movie “One Night With the King” came to mind.
What a glorious day it will be to be the bride of Christ!
Pam
======= Gina:
I don’t practice Lent like I used to. It’s a totally different concept to me now. Before I was saved, Lent was the time to give up swearing, chocolate and Taco Bell. Now Lent is a time of repentance and reflection of all the Jesus went through so that I could have a place in eternity with Him. I will do little fasts throughout this time for different reasons. I also try to be more aware of what I CAN do for someome else instead of what I should “give up”.
Regarding the “expectant” faith of Bartimaeus – I heard a sermon on the radio today about Hebrews 11 – the “faith” chapter. The concept of this sermon was the same…to be expectant in our faith whether it’s for healing or forgivness…whatever it is, expect God to do it as long as it’s according to His will! Just thought that was very cool!
What are 3 things in your life today that God has blessed you with?
Off the top of my head, I would say my family, my friends and my health. Now I could break each thing down and I could also make a list a mile long….but those are the 3 things that came to mind first. And although I am struggling with some areas of my health for now, I will continue to praise Him through this and have that “expectant” faith…that child-like faith. I trust Him completely.
Gina
======= Jenny:
I love how Jesus is so humble and loves the humble, to be a servant is almost against our nature, it takes God’s power. Some ppl are naturally more inclined to serve of course. Reminds me of a great song by one of my fave bands Kutless called Not What You See:
“I am not what you see, oh no. Not much more than a slave I wish to be. I am not what you see, not much more a slave I should be. Nothing more, a slave I will be.
How could I ever think to be more than the one who created me! I watched him do all that He said, His words were “Be a servant to all”. “
When I read about Bartimaeus, all I could think of is how much I wish I lived in those days! Imagine that! Of course I do get eternity with Him which is so awesome, too awesome to imagine!
Honestly, I’m not even sure exactly what Lent is, forgive my ignorance, is it rooted in Catholicism? I know ppl give stuff up for a certain time, but mostly I hear nonbelievers talk about how they give up sex (premarital), drinking, foods, it bothers me. God doesn’t care about those traditions, if its outward, its useless and will not be blessed. If there is something ‘bad’ I need to give up for Lent or whatever, how about I give it up all together. I have no pre-Easter traditions, but rather I meditate on Christ’s death and sacrifice often throughout the yr. I love Good Friday service so much! It’s just such a special day for me each year.
Of course I can think of many blessings, but the ones that come to my mind first, what I’m most grateful for: Jesus’ atonement for my sins!, I have been forgiven and called a daughter of the King, I have the promise of the spirit and Christ dwelling in me all my earthly days, and I have a glorious eternity after my body dies!!! I cant think of anything more wonderful, because there is nothing better!!!
Jenny
======= Angie:
actually, to be honest, i was brought up as a lutheran and still believe in that religion. so i never gave anything up for lent like the catholics did, (most of my friends here are catholic). we always went to church sunday morning and then had a big family easter dinner and always had the easter baskets. after i moved out on my own, we quit going to church easter mornings. we still kept up the family easter dinner though. and there was MANY times we would have been in florida to see my grandparents during easter since it always fell on spring break and usually on my birthday. or very near my birthday. now, i have the family dinner and i know this sounds really pathetic and uncalled for, but i swear, i do not have the time to get up and go to church easter morning when i need to be home here getting things ready to go and am cooking a huge dinner. but as i’m getting ready for my guest to arrive and getting myself ready, i do reflect/meditate why we do celebrate easter. and i always loved palm sunday. in church, we would all get a palm leaf, and the service was always so pretty and so meaningful to me.
proverbs stood out to me. blessings. i’m very blessed to still have the family that i have left which is so not very many now, cuz we disowned them for many different reasons. i’m very blessed to have the friends that i do that love and care about me. and also for the job i got at the end of the janurary. i REALLY needed a job and i was blessed with getting one when i needed one.
Angie
======= Skip:
During the homily at mass this morning our priest was talking about how we people see and judge others by what we see on the outside, but that Gods sees what is in our hearts. One of the stories he used to demonstrate how we don’t see who or what a person really is is the story of Bartimaeus and that it took a blind man to see who Jesus really was. I mean here’s Bartimaues, blind, sitting there, probably with his hand out begging. He was dependent on the good hearted people passing by for his survival. Yet when Jesus walked by it was only Bartimaus who saw who He was as he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Bartimaus saw the son of God while everyone else was blind to whom Jesus really was. I had never thought of that before today. I find it amazing now that I read it and heard Father Simi say it that it took a blind man to see who Jesus really was while the rest of Jerusalem was blind to Him!
Yours in Christ
Skip
======= Lisa:
Proverbs 10:22
“The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.”
As I mulled over the comment posted by John who cited from the Believer’s Bible Commentary the following: “… ‘How does this reconcile with the fact that the most godly people pass through times of deep sorrow? …’”, my spirit could not quite catch what was said in lieu of the context of the message. From my understanding and from how the scripture reads, I see that one thing has nothing to do with the other as stated in the commentary; but maybe I just lack understanding.
So I furthered my research and will share a commentary that reflects how I think the scripture is being relayed.
The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible on Proverbs 10:22:
The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich…
In the diligent use of means; see (Proverbs 10:4) ; riches are from the Lord, and should be acknowledged as such, and not attributed to the industry, diligence, sagacity, and merit of men; but should be looked upon as had through the blessing of the Lord upon the labours of men; and when they come this way they come as a blessing, and with one: it may be understood of being made rich in a spiritual sense; it is the blessing, good will, and favour of God, that makes men rich in Christ; that bestows upon them his unsearchable riches; that enriches them with all spiritual blessings in him; that makes them rich in faith and in good works, and with the riches of grace and of glory; and he addeth no sorrow with it;
no sorrow goes along with the blessing, but what is a blessing itself, as one observes; riches enjoyed through the blessing of God are not attended with that sorrow in getting, keeping, and losing them, as the riches of wicked men unlawfully gotten are; see (1 Timothy 6:9,10) ; for as the good man comes by them easily, without any anxious care and sinful solicitude, he seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these things are added to him, over and above, without much thought about them, or expectation of them, (Matthew 6:33) ; so it is with great delight, pleasure, and cheerfulness, he enjoys them, and readily communicates them to others; while the wicked man is full of anxiety, distress, and sorrow; see (Ecclesiastes 5:12,13,18) (6:2) . This is eminently true of spiritual riches; there is no sorrow attending them; the fruit and effect of them are peace, joy, and comfort.
You can find the above quote from the following site.
http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/geb/view.cgi?book=pr&chapter=10&verse=22
Lisa
======= Elizabeth:
Hello All,
I love the thought of Jubilee as well–the idea of starting fresh and starting others fresh…recognizing that the land (really everything) is the Lord’s…good concepts to dwell upon and certainly fulfilled in Christ.
My husband (Briggs–you’ll see him post occasionally) had time for Bob Deffinbaugh’s commentary on the year of Jubilee this morning and really enjoyed it. We are both turning into Deffinbaugh groupies! ; )
One general theme impressed me from today’s reading: our condition, i.e., our “state of the union” if you will–is entirely dependent upon Him and not upon our outward circumstances. This is how rich people can be miserably poor, how people can be surrounded by strong walls, yet tremble in fear inwardly. Our outward condition is but one piece of a much bigger equation. It is God who makes the difference. Thus we get verses like this (reflecting the negative)
“And as for those of you who are left, I will send faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies. The sound of a driven leaf shall put them to flight, and they shall flee as one flees from the sword, and they shall fall when none pursues.” Leviticus 26:36
or like this: (reflecting the positive)
“I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid.” -Leviticus 26:6
For me this also ties into the idea of Proverbs 10:22
“The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22
It is His divine hand over our lives that makes the difference…not any efforts to secure riches, safety or peace by our own hands or the hands of others.
Just thinking,
Elizabeth
======= Nick:
‘Prediction’ is a good word to use, as it relates to the prophetic aspect of Jesus informing his disciples that He would be betrayed to religious authorities, who would condemn Him to death, and then given to Gentiles to be abused and killed.(Mark 10:33,34)
After considering how much control Christ had over the situation, whereas He had the power to call the crucifixion off at any moment – though not to imply that He ever would have. Just to note that He had that authority; He is the King. Can that relate to His obedience?(Philippians 2:8)
Jesus was walking so straight, and loving us so much – what He faced must have been so clear in His mind. Jesus foretelling His death was an ‘announcement’; “He must be killed and after three days rise again.”(Mark 8:31)
Just as it was first foretold in the Old Testament, it was necessary that Christ should intervene for the purpose of saving men – the cross being His destination, and salvation being His purpose. Christ was to suffer, die on the cross, rise from the dead and ascend to heaven – which He did!
This was a message more important than the all of the front page headlines combined – that quickly turn yellow. Even more important than John the Baptist shouting “Behold the Lamb of God!” Little did they understand at the time, that announcement by Christ – the son of man was going to Jerusalem, then to suffer, die and rise again – would be one of the greatest announcements ever heard by men.
Nick
======= Jeanne:
In today’s readings (Mark 10:32-52), I was struck by the fact that in verses 36 and 51, Jesus asks the exact same thing: “‘What do you want me to do for you?’” Indeed, as verse 45 says, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve”. This is an example repeated to us so that we might learn and follow.
Jeanne
======= Bobbie:
Pro. 10:22
The blessings of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow in it. For me riches is not only money but it includes our relationship to our family and to others most especially our relation to the Lord.It includes also our health,peace of mind and many others. Thnks God that He always gives me peace that is priceless.
Bobbie
======== Jennifer:
The Lord said to Moses I am your God and will walk among you. That verse struck me because I believe that he resides within my soul and that we hears me and touches me through the Spirit, but I never really think about God walking among us…
Then as he continues he explains how again to be his holy people and what will happen if Isreal rebells.
Our choices are what separate us from God.
I pray that I am like the tree planted near the flowing stream, that my leaves never wither, that I produce fruit in season and always prosper.
Jennifer
======= Steve:
Leviticus 25:47-27:13
As the book of Leviticus comes to a close, it describes the rewards of obedience (leading to blessings) and the fate of disobedience (leading to burdens and misery), each day we come to the fork in the road and must decide which path to take. Leviticus goes into great detail describing the two paths and Jesus simplifies everything for us by describing the path of blessings in (Mark 12:30-31) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself”. There is no commandment greater than these.” I love the way Jesus simplifies everything in just a few words yet leaves nothing out.
As we study the scriptures, we understand that God’s laws are immutable; they are just as real as the laws of gravity. Today I choose the path of obedience, I choose to simplify my life and lay my agenda at His feet.
Steve
======= Frederick:
Mark 10:47-48
47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
I am also impressed by Bartimaeus’s spiritual awakening. Although he was blind, yet his spiritual eyes were able to see the real identity of Jesus. As in another occasion when Jesus acknowledged Peter’s recognition of Jesus as the son of God, it was a blessing from the Heavenly Father.
Frederick
======= James:
Ramona, I like what you have stated in “We project our own desires onto the God’s agenda, mudding the waters of righteousness. But even though we mess with the purpose and call of God, we can never change, defeat or hinder God’s plans”.
I have personally experienced this:
“But if you will not listen to me and will not do all these commandments, 15 if you spurn my statutes, and if your soul abhors my rules, so that you will not do all my commandments, but break my covenant, 16 then I will do this to you: I will visit you with panic, with wasting disease and fever that consume the eyes and make the heart ache.
. . . visit you with panic. I get it now. God will do what it takes to teach us that we need to turn back to His righteous ways.
James
======= Jill:
As long as we are here on this earth We will never reach perfection. To a certain extent we become bound or enslaved by our sin without realizing it! Even though we recognize it, we want to change but we keep falling back. That’s the humanness in us. It can be anything, even resentment, anger, fear, jealousy. Etc. this is just satan trying to destroy Gods work and the Holy Spirit living in us.
Mark 10:45. I love this verse! we are here to serve! We may not feel like it but that is Gods desire we become like Jesus. A good song Laura Daigle song ” how can it be” sums it up.
Jill
======== Jane:
I am just blown away this am reading mark 10:45. Just reading how Bartimaeous said! “Son of David have mercy on me”” and Jesus said to the people surrounding “Call him””
Those words are huge and impactful on our lives. All we have to do is call on him! And believe in the Son.
God show me how I can trust you when I’m faced with Giants whether relationships or physical health or job or whatever it may be. Let me hear those words “call him”
Jesus is calling you! Blessings
Jane
======= Jeff:
The scripture that came to me today was when Jesus asked the question to his disciples can you Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. Answering this question for me would have been hard. Because Jesus is so worthy. I am not sure I would have answered it the same way. However the disciples responded that they could. And then Jesus goes on to answer their other question, which was those seats who sit next to god are already prepared. I think when the disciples answered yes, they also answered their own question, that their seats are already prepared for them because they can drink the same cup and be baptized with the same water. And so that questions today is still relevant and if we believe and say yes, are seats are prepared. Awesome!
Jeff
======== Nancy:
I noticed when blind Bartimaes got up to go to Jesus for his healing he threw his cloak aside. This cloak was likely used to keep him warm at night. He believed he would be healed & would pick it up later even tho he had carelessly tossed it away.
Nancy
======= Dee:
Good morning everyone! I got out of Leviticus a little on line of Mike’s in: Lev 26:12 and 13, I will walk among you;I will be your God, and you will be my people. I am the Lord your God,who brought you out of the land of Egypt so you would no longer be their slaves. I broke the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk with your heads held high. I believe we are free indeed, but it makes me wander like Mike commented, how many still wear the yoke? How many are convicted in their heart and lied to by the enemy saying they are bound when they are already free people! Also, how many are in bondage that just need to reach their hands up and cry Abba, Father! Forgive me, Cleanse me , Free me from all this garbage in my life and lift these chains Oh Lord!! It gives us something to think about. I also agree with Ramona from yesterdays comments, about not feeling good about slaves even in bible, even in later years, however it was there and I believe just like with slavery, and polygamy, and intermarital relations, God frowned on all of it, however, that didn’t stop the blessings on Gods people if they humbled themselves to Him and come back into His Blessing and Covenent. Because His Covenent was always their for His people, it is our reluctance, and ignorance and lack of common sense and wisdom(from yesterdays readings in Proverbs 10:20-21)that cause us to stumble the way we do.
The book of Mark, every time I hear and read the leading up to our Saviors punishment and death for us, I am saddened. I am saddened not just because he had to do it, because it was out of His humanly thoughts, remember He said, Whatsoever ye say, Father, Have Your Will Be Done! Not My Will but Yours! It saddens me because in our humanly realm, we so do not understand Christs thoughts, or feelings, and even in that day with all of His “close” friends near by, they didn’t understand Him! How that must have felt, to (1) know you have to get betrayed by one of your own, and (2) blind followers paving the way and not even knowing it. The other 11 were blind to Gods plan, they were told once, twice, and three times the charm and Nothing! They had power, and fame, and Kingdom righfulship in their mind, or at least two of them did, the other 9 only wish they had thought of it first. How sad! Lord, I pray that You can use us, little ole us to bring forth Your kingdom, Your blessings and Your honor. May we never leave Your thoughts, or Will that You lay out for us. In Your Name We Pray! Amen..
Be Blessed!!
~~Dee
