Old Testament reading: Numbers 30-32

Chapter 31 begins with Israel in the early stages of driving out the inhabitants of Canaan. After Israel defeated the five kings of Midian, Moses instructs Israel on matters of war and the equitable division of plunder. Numbers 32 is a marvelous text concerning those who thought to settle east of the Jordan, which was already prepared for habitation by herdsmen, intending not to fight with their brethren. To these Moses gave a scathing rebuke, “Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here?”  Too many brethren today are content to sit by while others go to war, fighting the good fight of the faith. For example, how many “ordinary Christians” (if I may use that term accommodatively), that is, non-preachers, are on the front lines of fighting the moral decay so pervasive in our society? How many are leading the way in evangelizing the lost? If you are among them, I thank God for you and your efforts. But the truth is, most Christians are content to let the preacher do all the fighting against sin both in the church and out. If you are among this latter group, will you sit where you are while your brethren go to war?

New Testament reading: Romans 7-9

Today’s text contains some of the most difficult and misunderstood discourse of the New Testament.  One thing that is critical in studying these difficult texts is this – when interpreting the Bible, or any other like document with difficult passages, the difficult must always be interpreted in light of the plain. In other words, whatever meaning or understanding one might assign to a difficult passage cannot contradict the more easily understood passages elsewhere. This is a tremendous problem, especially in Romans. Calvinists and Evangelicals think Romans is the “hub of the Bible,” and interpret everything else in the New Testament in light of their doctrines they think they’ve discovered in Romans, thus interpreting even what the Lord Himself taught in view of Paul’s writings. Paul’s writing should be interpreted in view of Jesus’ teaching, not the other way around. This will correct much of the error taught concerning predestination and grace that is so prevalent in present theology. Nothing one reads in Romans contradicts what is clear understood elsewhere in Scripture.

Old Testament reading: Numbers 27-29

Numbers 27 clarifies inheritance laws for those who die without a son, daughter, or brother to preserve the possession of the various families. The Israelites guarded their inheritance with great gravity, as their land inheritance could not be permanently sold (Lev 25:23; Num 36:7, cf 1 Ki 21:3). Chapters 28 and 29 give instructions regarding the various offerings to be made on a daily, weekly, monthly or other basis. This text provides what I believe to be further evidence that the Sabbath was not a day of worship for the Jews as the first day of the week is for Christians. In Numbers 28:18 and 25 we find the phrase “holy convocation.” This holy convocation refers to a gathering or assembly of the people. Note an assembly was to be made on the first and seventh days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The first day of Unleavened Bread fell on the 15^th day of the first Jewish month and the seventh day fell on the 22^nd day of that same month. Just as our January 15 and 22 fall on various days each year, these dates also fell on various days, and do not refer to what we would call Sunday and Saturday. Jewish assemblies were ordered by a date on the calendar, not by the day of the week.

New Testament reading: Romans 4-6

Romans 4 begins with a discussion of Abraham’s faith. Many erroneously use Romans 4:3 as an example of salvation by faith only without any works of obedience – “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Problem: James, also an inspired writer, said that Abraham was justified by works when he offered Isaac on the altar (James 2:21). James continued by declaring that Abraham’s faith was made perfect (complete) by his works of obedience (James 2:22). Finally, James quotes the same verse as Paul (Gen 15:6), concluding, “and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (James 2:23). Within the context, the law under discussion is the law of Moses. Paul is stressing to the Christians of Jewish descent how Abraham was saved apart from the works of the Mosaic Law.

Old Testament reading: Numbers 25-26

Numbers 25 gives the first account of Balaam’s treachery concerning Israel, though the source was not known until later when vengeance was taken upon the Midianites (Num 31:8, 16). What continues to astound me is Israel’s willingness and readiness to forsake God at every turn. One would think that a people who had been enslaved for generations and saw the mighty hand of God when He delivered them from Egyptian bondage would at least have an ounce of fidelity, but not Israel. They were chronic complainers: they complained about the food, water, Moses and Aaron, and God’s discipline upon Korah. God provided for their every need and answered many of their complaints with the ultimate punishment. Yet here we are in Moab and Israel is ready to play the harlot with Baal. One Israelite man was so brazen that he took a Midianite woman into his tent in the sight of the entire congregation. Outraged with righteous indignation, Phinehas took a javelin and executed them both, piercing them both through in a single thrust as they committed fornication. God commended him saying, “he was zealous with My zeal” (v 11).

New Testament reading: Romans 1-3

Today’s text might be summed with the words of Romans 3:10, “There is none righteous, no not one,” or verse 23, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Paul begins with the sins of Gentiles, who willingly suppressed the truth of God, denying even His very existence. Note how God’s existence and essence can be seen in nature, so that no man may be excused for his atheism (Rom 1:20). Consider also that God’s wrath is revealed against all unrighteousness – present tense. Also, this phrase indicates that God’s wrath occurs as a natural result of unrighteousness. God has set forth natural laws that do not require His direct intervention. When individuals or nations conduct themselves in accordance with the precepts of Scripture, there are natural blessings that follow. When individuals or nations turn their backs on God’s word, there is a natural curse upon those people. America’s embrace of divorce, abortion and homosexuality have been devastating to civility and society.

Old Testament reading: Numbers 22-24

To borrow the southern vernacular, today’s text gives the account of Balaam, “that feller what had the talkin’ mule.” When I think of Balaam, I tend to associate him with Israel because he conversed directly with God and blessed Israel four times. What I find when I read the text is that he is obviously not an Israelite. For example, Balaam is living near Moab when Balak calls for him to come and curse “a people who are coming from Egypt” (22:5). Balak obviously knows of Balaam and his work. Note also how Balaam has no knowledge of these people as he inquires of God concerning Balak’s request (22:10-12). Another interesting fact is that Balaam has some history of dealing with God before this account. Note how God appeared to Balaam and Balaam is unfazed by said appearance. Note also Balaam’s ease in conversing with God, as if this were not uncommon, and I tend to think it wasn’t. These facts, like the account of Jonah, show us that God still dealt directly with Gentiles after the establishment of Israel. He did not abandon them. Unfortunately, Balaam “loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Peter 2:15, cf Jude 11). So while he was not willing to curse Israel, he was willing to teach Balak the means by which he could put a stumbling block before Israel that they might overthrow themselves through idolatry and fornication (Rev 2:14). He would later pay for this treachery with his life (Num 31:8).

Our New Testament reading: Acts 25-28

In Romans 1:11-13, Paul expressed his desire and previous plans to visit Rome to strengthen the church and encourage them in their mutual faith. The ascension of Festus to the governorship set the wheels in motion for Paul to finally go to Rome, even as the Lord had promised (Acts 23:11). However, I don’t believe it was in Paul’s plans to go as a prisoner of the Roman government. God would grant Paul’s prayer, but we are reminded that sometimes God answers our prayers with “Yes, but in My way, not yours.” When one considers all the hardships Paul endured en route to Rome, it may have been difficult for Paul to see the eventual blessings of his journey (cf Phil 1:12-13, 4:22). Paul’s journey to Rome as a prisoner led to saints living in Caesar’s house. That Caesar was Nero!

Old Testament reading: Numbers 20-21

“But I did it that way before!” “Yes, but what were you told to do this time?” I can hear a parent or teacher having this conversation with some young person, and it seems to fit today’s reading as well. The heading in my Bible says “Moses’ Error at Kadesh.” I don’t think “error” is strong enough. Perhaps “sin” or “disobedience” would have been more accurate. Today’s text reminds us that even the greatest of men have feet of clay. Of all the times one might expect Moses to falter before God, this would not have been one of them. Moses had traveled this path before: the people had no water and began to complain (Ex 17:1ff). Moses was told to take his rod and speak to the rock in the sight of the people. Instead, Moses disobeyed God by smiting the rock as he had done before (Ex 17:6), rather than speaking to it as he had been commanded. This moment of weakness cost him entrance into the Promised Land. We would also mention that Aaron was also forbidden to enter Canaan on this account (v 12, 24). Lesson to be learned – The blessings of a lifetime of service can be forfeited in a moment’s time. The devil is always lurking, so be on guard!

New Testament reading: Acts 22-24

“And now why are you waiting? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). What is it about this text that makes it so difficult to understand? Most Evangelicals teach the exact opposite of what this text teaches concerning how to be saved. Tragically, most teach that one should call on the name of the Lord (e.g., sinner’s prayer), have their sins washed away, be baptized later (or not), then arise and go on one’s way. Such reveals a gross lack of understanding of what it means to call on the name of the Lord. Moreover, this doctrine causes Paul to teach a plan of salvation that contradicts the very one he himself said he obeyed. Finally, in Acts 2:21 Peter quoted Joel’s statement that “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Would Peter have concluded his sermon without telling his audience how to call on the name of the Lord? If not, what statement did Peter make later in Acts 2 regarding remission of sins and salvation? Like Acts 22:16, Acts 2:38 also teaches us how to call on the name of the Lord.

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.