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.
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