Old Testament reading: Leviticus 9-11
No sooner does God speak concerning the matter of Divine service than man decides to do something different. Nadab and Abihu serve to remind us again that God is to be feared and obeyed in matters of worship. When God specifies a certain thing, he does so to the exclusion of all other things. God specified the type of fire to be offered, and offering something other than what was specified brought swift punishment to Nadab and Abihu (10:1-3). While some try to make drunkenness the issue of their transgression (v 9), the text is clear that the profane (unauthorized) fire offered was the action for which they were punished. This sin originated in their hearts, as they did not regard God as holy (v 3). Chapter 11 makes me thankful I was not a Jew — I love pork bar-b-que and catfish too much!
New Testament reading: John 6-7
John 6 is a most misunderstood text. There are two errors commonly taught from this text. The first is the Catholic error of transubstantiation, that is, that the elements of the Lord’s Supper become the literal flesh and blood of Jesus when taken in their exercise known as the mass. The eating of blood is forbidden in all three dispensations of God’s relationship with man. It was forbidden in the days of the patriarchs (Gen 9:4-5). It was forbidden in the Law of Moses (Lev 17:10). It is forbidden of men today (Acts 15:29). The second error is one that seems common to the brotherhood, that is, that eating Jesus’ flesh and drinking His blood has something to do with the observance of the Lord’s Supper. This is also wrong. The key to understanding the phrase is to see the promise attached to it, namely eternal life. In verses 32-50 Jesus made numerous references to raising from the dead and giving eternal life to those who believe in Him. In this text He also describes Himself as the bread of life. Verse 50 begins the references to eating His flesh and drinking His blood, which have the same promise associated therewith, specifically, being raised from the dead (v 54) and eternal life (v 57). Thus, the allusion to eating Jesus’ flesh and drinking His blood refers to believing in Him.
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