Old Testament reading: Numbers 17-19

The budding of Aaron’s rod is an intriguing account that must be considered in its context. The rebels had challenged Moses’ leadership and position. For this they paid with their lives (16:31-35). Yet, the people rejected God’s declaration. The rejection of Moses would of necessity included a rejection of Aaron, and this is where this account comes in. In chapter 17, the leaders of each tribe were to get a rod and write the name of their tribe on it, twelve in all. The rods were placed in the tabernacle. Overnight, Aaron’s rod, the rod of Levi, sprouted, budded, produced blossoms and ripe almonds. This miracle not only affirmed the Levitical and Aaronic priesthood in the minds of the people, it also brought paralyzing fear. Numbers 17:12 implies a dread came over the people so that they felt as if they would die. At this point God affirms the rights and responsibilities of the Levites to make intercession for the sins of the people. Aaron’s rod was kept in the Ark as a testimony against the rebels as well as for future generations (17:10, Heb 9:4).

New Testament reading: Acts 20-21

Acts 20:35 contains the well-known text, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” What I find particularly interesting in this statement attributed to the Lord is this — though it is found nowhere in the sacred text of the life and work of Jesus, Paul encouraged the brethren to remember it, as if they were already familiar with it. This reminds us that the words of Jesus we have recorded in Scripture are only a snapshot of the greatness and magnitude of His teaching. Statements like the one here may stand alone in their truth and eternal value, much like “the golden rule” (Matt 7:12). But what is also sometimes overlooked in this statement is the context in which it is found. After warning of the coming danger of false teachers (vv 29-30), Paul reminds the brethren of his own actions toward them, how he desired no man’s money or clothing (v 33), how he worked to provide for his own needs as well as those of his company (v 34), concluding “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak” (v 35). Paul was a living illustration of the Lord’s words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Old Testament reading: Numbers 15-16

Numbers 16 is the well known account sometimes called “Korah’s rebellion.” Most people are familiar with the middle of this event (the earth opening up and “swallowing” the people) rather than the beginning and end, but there are intriguing lessons to be learned from the entirety of the account. First, some people are just not satisfied to serve in the capacity our Lord gave them. Korah and sycophants erroneously thought that strength lay in numbers and reputation as opposed to truth (vv 1-2). Moreover, they spoke with hubris against God’s man Moses (v 3). Finally, like many malcontents today, they misrepresented Moses and history itself (vv 13-14). Moses’ response of humility (v 4) and his attempt to get them to appreciate their God-given role (vv 9-11) are worthy of note and imitation. Moses’ challenge to let God decide the matter is reminiscent of Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 2 Kings 18. God makes His choice in the sight of the nation. In so doing, He confirmed Moses’ declaration that their rebellion is not against him, but against God (vv 29-30). But to me, the most disgusting aspect of this whole affair was the response of the people, who accused Moses of “killing the people of the Lord” (v 41). God wasn’t too thrilled with it either, as He sent a plague that killed 14,700.

New Testament reading: Acts 17-19

If it’s true it isn’t new, and if it’s new it isn’t true. This was a well used phrase by my late preaching friend Johnny Ramsey. He usually followed it with, “Let’s go forward back to the Bible.” Dr. Luke’s account finds Paul in Athens In Acts 17. In Athens there is an initial clamor to hear Paul’s “new doctrine” for that very reason – it was new (Acts 17:18-21). However, when Paul’s message turned to the resurrection of the dead, most became immediately disinterested (v 32). We can still give thanks for those good and honest hearts who believed. American society is much like that of Athens in that day. As Athens was full of idols, so also is our culture, although our idols take on a different form. We worship sports, youth, beauty, wealth, influence and power. The greatest idol of all is the god of self. We also mimic Athens with our cultural disregard for our historical moorings and eternal truth. This is a recipe for national disaster.

Old Testament reading: Numbers 12-14

Today’s text contains what are to me some of the most disgusting displays on the part of Israel. In chapter 12, Aaron and Miriam begin a slander campaign against Moses in an attempt to feather their own nest. God intervened on Moses’ behalf by reminding those two that it was Moses with whom God spoke face to face. And, in spite of their knowledge of this very thing, they were unafraid to speak evil of God’s servant. In chapters 13-14, while on the very precipice of entering Canaan, the people reject the report of Caleb in favor of the ten faithless spies, again pining for the “good old days of Egypt.” (I will be honest, I get angry when I read these chapters, but then manage to calm down upon a little self reflection of my own inadequacies.) Then, after they were told they would die in the wilderness, they have a sudden change of heart. Despite Moses’ warnings not to attempt an invasion, they rush ahead only to be defeated by their enemies. From there it was downhill. A constant stream of faithless complaining and criticism of Moses. The more I read this text, the more I love and appreciate Moses.

New Testament reading: Acts 15-16

“From among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw the disciples after them.” So said the apostle Paul to the elders of Ephesus. Acts 15 contains the first instance of false teaching in the church, namely the Judaizers’ assault on God’s plan of salvation by attempting to integrate the Law of Moses into the law of Christ. After this error was hotly disputed by Paul and the false teachers, it was determined to send Paul and Barnabas to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about the matter. The source of this heresy was exposed when Paul and Barnabas arrived and addressed the church in Jerusalem, as some of the “Pharisees who believed” affirmed and contested that circumcision must be included with the preaching of the gospel. This matter was discussed among all who were present, again hotly at times (v 7). As in Acts 11:30, we see the importance of the elders, even in the earliest days of the church. Note here how they are listed alongside the apostles in the settling of this matter.

Old Testament reading: Numbers 10-11

Of trumpets and tongues. In Numbers 10 God instructs Moses to make two silver trumpets “for calling the congregation and directing the movement of the camps.” A blast by one trumpet or two was to let the people know if everyone was to gather before the Lord (two) or just the leaders of the various divisions (one). A different blast or sequence was made when it was time to move or go to war. There were also trumpet blasts to accompany the various Jewish feasts. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul uses this same principle in his refutation of the Corinthians abuse of tongues (1 Cor 14:6ff). I recently watched the well known charlatan Rod Parsley “speak in tongues” and then immediately give the interpretation, a clear violation of 1 Corinthians 14:27-28. In Numbers 11 God provides quail for His people who, despite God’s deliverance and watch care over them, had become chronic complainers. If ever the love and mercy of God was evident among Israel, it was in the days following their escape from Egypt. Also, the nearly indescribable greatness of God’s man Moses should not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Moses refused to be put on a pedestal by Joshua (11:27-29). He lived up to his description in Number 12:3. Yet, as great a man as he was, Jesus is far better (Heb 3:1-6).

New Testament reading: Acts 13-14

Acts 13 begins with what is called Paul’s first missionary journey. One map in the back of your Bible likely designates it as such. I would consider Paul’s journey to Tarsus in Cilicia his first such journey (Acts 9:30). No matter. What is important is the fact that God chose His very best servants to go and preach the gospel to those far removed from Jerusalem and Judea. The best preachers weren’t hoarded by the home folks. Foreign missions are not for men who aren’t good at local work. While it certainly takes a special person to leave his home for distant lands, we should also try to cultivate a missionary spirit in our best and brightest young men and women. No doubt Paul and Barnabas could have done great things in local work, but God chose them for bigger and better things.

Old Testament reading: Numbers 8-9

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Numbers 8 reveals God’s instruction on the position of the lamps on the lampstand. Through Moses, God commanded Aaron to make sure that all seven lamps give light in front of the lampstand. Perhaps we should take note that our own lights should point ahead. God’s word is a lampto our feet and a light to our path (Ps 119:105). It shines before us to show us the way. The light that is my life should shine before me that others may see the path I walk. Numbers 9 provides instructions for those who could not keep the original Passover. These were given time to be cleansed of any ceremonial impurity and observe the Passover on the 14th day of the second month. However, this allowance was only for those who COULD NOT be present by reason of defilement or travel. It was not for those who CHOSE not to be present. I can’t help but think of how some brethren abuse the observance of the Lord’s Supper in the evening service because they laid out on Sunday morning sleeping or doing other things.

New Testament reading: Acts 11-12

“He did what?!” In Acts 11, Peter is called upon to give a defense of his actions among the Gentiles. The charge was not a condemnation of preaching to the Gentiles, but rather (ceremonially) defiling himself by going in to them and eating what certainly would not have been a kosher meal. This understanding of the charge is borne out by the subsequent joy of those Jewish brethren upon hearing that the Gentiles had been granted repentance unto life (11:18). Some use this text (v 18) in an attempt to teach that repentance is wholly the work of God in the heart of man. However, the Greek word didomi (Strong’s #1325), here translated “granted,” will not support that contention. In His instruction prayer in Matthew 6, Jesus uttered these words, “Give us this day our daily bread” (v 11). “Give” is from this same Greek word. Does God provide our daily bread? Absolutely! But does He do so with no effort or input on our part? No sir! In like fashion, the change of mind and life that marks true repentance does not come solely from God, but rather when one hears God’s word and exercises himself to the changes demanded thereby.

Old Testament reading: Numbers 7

Today’s reading may be one of the most mundane readings in all of the Sacred Text (verses 10-89). However, the first nine verses, and verse 9 in particular are of considerable interest, as they tell of the presentation of the wagons and oxen to assist the priests who were assigned to the setup, care, dismantling and moving of the tabernacle. Of particular import is       how the sons of Kohath were not given any wagons or oxen. Why? Because the text says it was given to them the responsibility to carry the ark and items on their shoulders (v 9). In other words, they didn’t need them to accomplish the work given unto them by the Lord. If only David had consulted the Law before moving the ark, Uzzah might not have touched the ark when the unauthorized carriers (oxen) stumbled. We might say that David and the priests stumbled before the oxen did. In 1 Chronicles 15:13, David said that incident occurred because “We did not consult the Lord about the proper order.” One should still consult the Lord today about the proper order of things (faith and repentance, baptism and salvation) by consulting his word, lest something far worse than death come upon us.

New Testament reading: Acts 9-10

Was Saul saved on the road to Damascus? Acts 9 provides the original account of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, later known to all as the apostle Paul. In this account, and in Paul’s recounting of it in Acts 22:13, there is the mention of Ananias referring to Saul as “brother.” Most denominationalists use this text as proof that Saul was saved while en route to Damascus, and that his reception of baptism had no part in that conversion or salvation. The word translated brother appears 58 times in Acts, and is used in reference to one physical kinsman (Acts 12:2), to a brother in Christ (Acts 21:20), and to one of Jewish lineage (“men and brethren” – Acts 2:37). This last usage corresponds to Ananias’ statement. If Saul was saved before baptism, he certainly didn’t know it, as he continued in prayer and fasting until Ananias came to him. Moreover, Ananias’ own words as recorded in Acts 22:16 forever put to rest the idea that baptism has no connection to the washing away of sins.

Old Testament reading: Numbers 5-6

Today’s reading contains what I believe is the only miraculous test for sin and innocence in the Bible. Numbers 5:11-31 gives the details of the spirit of jealousy. This test was administered by the priests when a husband suspected his wife of adultery. The text speaks first of a woman guilty of adultery, but no one has observed or known the matter. How does the husband know? He recognizes some change in his wife or in their relationship. There is a lesson here for husbands and their attentiveness to  their wives and their relationship. One final thing that should also be remembered is that this test also served to protect innocent women from the accusations of jealous husbands. In the last verses of Numbers 5 we see the husband who suffers from unprompted jealousy (as some are still prone to do) and the means by which his innocent wife can be cleared of accusations of wrongdoing. Jealousy is not necessarily a bad thing (cf Ex 20:5, 34:14), but it needs to be properly exercised (2 Cor 11:2).

New Testament reading: Acts 7-8

“Was it something I said?” Stephen was a man of various firsts in the early church. He was among the first group of men to serve as deacons (Acts 6:1-7), though they are not so called in that text. He is the first man other than the apostles to be described as being “full of the Holy Spirit.” He is better known, as perhaps rightfully so, as being the first Christian to die for the faith. Stephen gave all in defense of the truth, and his death emboldened and incited the Jews to openly and aggressively persecute the church. Stephen’s sermon also revealed a marvelous grasp of the Old Testament, the Scriptures of his day.  For some reason, Stephen never made to Jesus in his account of Israel’s history.  However, we know that an understanding of the Old Testament was necessary to understanding the coming of Jesus and the establishment of his kingdom, the church. Despite is harsh words toward the Jews, Stephen’s sweet spirit certainly prevailed as he imitated his Lord as he was nearing death. As our Lord prayed, “Father, forgive them,” so also did this great servant of God say, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.”

Old Testament reading: Numbers 3-4

Today’s text provides instruction concerning the priestly responsibilities to the tabernacle. When we read Numbers 3:5 and following, we see repeated reference to the exclusive work of the Levites concerning Aaron and the things pertaining to the tabernacle. This truth is repeated in Hebrews 7:11-19, particularly verses 13-14, wherein the writer is clear that Jesus could not serve as any priest, much less high priest, as it was evident that He arose from Judah, “of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. The law of specificity, or inclusion and exclusion, is on full display here. Namely, where God specifies a thing, He does so to the exclusion of all other things (e.g. the command to sing congregationally in the New Testament). Chapter 4 is an interesting text when considered in light of future events (coming in chapter 7). Of note is Numbers 4:15, specifying that the Kohathites, to whom was given the responsibility to transport the ark, were not allow to touch the ark (see Uzzah – 2 Sam 6).  Moreover, they weren’t even allowed to watch the preparations for transport, which was to be done by Aaron and his sons.

New Testament reading: Acts 5-6

“If we practice church discipline, everyone will leave.” In Acts 5 we see the ultimate in “church discipline” exercised upon Ananias and Sapphira, not by the church, but by the Holy Spirit Himself. The matter of discipline in Acts 5 did not pertain to covetousness (unless we are speaking of coveting the admiration of the church), but rather the simple matter of honesty. Peter made this clear when he said to Ananias concerning the land sold, “While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control?” After the death of this lying pair, “great fear came upon the church and upon all who heard these things.” Moreover, “believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.” We are thus reminded that the exercise of church discipline not only keeps the church pure, it causes reverence and godly fear among the members and those without. Finally, we see that the practice of church discipline does not harm the church, but rather contributes to its growth.

Old Testament reading: Numbers 1-2

This book lives up to its name with the numbering of the men of Israel from age 20 and upward who are able to go to war (1:3). The total was 603,550. This would imply that a number well in excess of one million people left Egypt and crossed the Red Sea. Thinking about this age of twenty, it seems to arise repeatedly in the laws of Israel. A man was required to pay the shekel ransom beginning at age 20 (Ex 30:13, 38:26). The “valuation tax,” of which we read yesterday, differentiated both men and women beginning at age 20 (Lev 27:3-5). The cut off for those who were not condemned to die in the wilderness was 20 years of age (Num 14:29, 32:11). With this in mind, I wonder if we are baptizing our children far too early in life. If God did not hold young people accountable as being adults until they were 20 years old, why are we baptizing as accountable souls children who are less than 10 years old? All baptized believers are subject to the same laws of personal holiness and responsibility, including evangelism and marking those who teach error. They would also of necessity be subject to church discipline. Who is prepared to withdraw from a ten year old?

New Testament reading: Acts 3-4

This text would be devastating to modern day fake healers and their followers, if they would only read it. The text focuses on the healing of a man who had absolutely no faith in Jesus or the apostles and the response of the people and the Jewish leaders. When modern “healers” fail, they invariably blame the infirmed saying “you don’t have enough faith.” What shall they do with this man in Acts 3? He did not ask to be healed, and the text is clear that he was instead expecting to receive money from the hands of the apostles. In addition to a faithless man being healed, Acts 4:16 also serves to refute all modern day fake healers. Note to Benny Hinn, Rod Parsley, Pat Robertson (and others) and those who follow them: according to Acts 4:16, a true miracle is NOTABLE, MANIFEST TO ALL & UNDENIABLE. Even the unbelieving Jews had to admit a miracle had taken place! No man today can perform miracles, neither like those found in Scripture nor greater ones promised by our Lord (cf John 14:12).

Old Testament reading: Leviticus 26-27

God’s book of holiness comes to a close with a summary of God’s promise to bless Israel if they continue in obedience to his word. Among these promises are rain at the appropriate time and amount (vital to successful farming), prevention of crop failure, the continuation of harvest from one crop to the next (26:3-5). God also promised the land to be free of evil beasts (e.g., wolves, bears, lions) that would prey on their animals in the night, disturbing both beast and man (26:6). Also there is the promise of peace from outside adversaries (26:6-8). Couple these with His earlier promises of extreme provision during the Sabbath years and Jubilee, and it makes one wonder how Israel could ever forsake God and serve idols. On the other hand, we are the recipients of even greater blessings and promises. Yet, we find our own faith waning and wavering at times. I often warn my audiences of being too quick to judge Israel’s unfaithfulness or too harsh in our condemnations, noting that if Israel could see what God has done for us, they might think the same things!

New Testament reading: Acts 1-2

“As I was saying…” Luke picks up right where he left off in his gospel account with the resurrection, appearances and ascension of Jesus. In Acts 1 we see Jesus carried away to heaven in the clouds. An angel told the eleven that Jesus would return in the same manner as He left. John confirmed this in Revelation 1:7, “Behold, He comes with clouds.” Long before, Daniel foretold of Jesus’ ascension to heaven with clouds (7:13-14). Additionally, Daniel said it was at that time that Jesus would receive His kingdom, a kingdom that transcended all people, nations and languages. In Acts 2 we find the establishment of the church of Christ in fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32, Daniel 2:44, Isaiah 2:2-3 and Micah 4:1-2. The establishment of the church is the beginning of Christ’s kingdom when he began his reign in fulfillment of Daniel 7:13-14. Of great import is the fact that the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 was the inauguration of the last days. Anyone who disbelieves it must take it up with Peter (Acts 2:16-17). We have been living in the last days for nearly 2000 years (cf Heb 1:1-2).