The Duties & Inheritance of the Priests and Levites – Numbers 18

Begin your study with prayer for the Lord to open your eyes to see who He is more clearly and how to respond to Him more deeply in heart affections and horizontal, radical love toward others.

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Numbers 18

Here Are Matthew Henry’s Comments on Numbers 19

 Vs 1-8 Aaron would see reason not to be proud of his preferment, when he considered the great care and charge upon him. Be not high-minded, but fear. The greater the trust of work and power that is committed to us, the greater danger there is of betraying that trust. This is a good reason why we should neither envy others' honours, nor desire high places.

Vs. 9-19 The priests were to be wholly devoted to their ministry, not diverted from it, or disturbed in it, by worldly care or business. Also, that they might be examples of living by faith, not only in God's providence, but in his ordinances. The best should be offered for the first-fruits unto the Lord. Those who think to save, by putting God off with the refuse, deceive themselves, for God is not mocked.
Vs 20-32 Those who have God for their Inheritance and their Portion forever, ought to look with holy contempt and indifference upon the possessions of this world. The Levites were to give God his dues out of their tithes, as well as the Israelites out of their increase.  God was necessarily to be regarded as the greatest possession of all, beyond which nothing greater is conceivable, and in comparison with which every other possession is to be regarded as nothing. Hence it was evidently the greatest privilege and highest honor to have Him for a portion and possession (Bhr, Symbolik, ii. p. 44). "For truly," as Masius writes (Com. on Josh.), "he who possesses God possesses all things; and the worship (cultus) of Him is infinitely fuller of delight, and far more productive, than the cultivation (cultus) of any soil." The possession of the priests and Levites did not consist in the revenues assigned to them by God, but in the possession of Jehovah, the God of Israel. In the same sense in which the tribe of Levi was the peculiar possession of Jehovah out of the whole of the people of possession, was Jehovah also the peculiar possession of Levi;
Parallel passages:  Deuteronomy 18:2 - They shall have no inheritance among their brothers; the LORD is their inheritance, as he promised them.  Joshua 13:33 - But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them. Joshua 18:7 - The Levites, however, do not get a portion among you, because the priestly service of the LORD is their inheritance. And Gad, Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh have already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan. Moses the servant of the LORD gave it to them. Ezekiel 44:28 I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession.


End with Prayers of:

·         Adoration - Praise Him and Boast in Him for who He is in today's reading.

·         Thanksgiving - Offer humble gratitude for big and small blessings in your life - at least 3 new things

·         Confession - Admit to the Lord areas you have resisted him or grieved him privately or in relationship.

·         Petition - Ask him for specific help for the many needs of others and you - that you may have power to do His will and see it today.

Aaron’s Budding Rod Warns Rebels - Numbers 17

Begin your study with prayer for the Lord to open your eyes to see who He is more clearly and how to respond to Him more deeply in heart affections and horizontal, radical love toward others.

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S READING
Numbers 17 Summary
The Lord confirms his choice of Aaron in order to end the murmuring against Moses by miraculously causing Aaron’s staff to bud, blossom, and produce ripe almonds in the presence of the twelve tribal leaders of Israel.

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Numbers 17

NOTES

The Forgiven Rebel Becomes a Warning Against Future Rebels
What a picture of the grace of God. Though there was such severity in how God dealt with Korah's rebellion, here stands Aaron and his rod budding to reveal God's gracious choosing of him. Remember just a few short chapters earlier Aaron had his own rebellious episode with his sister Miriam against Moses.  Indeed, God had dealt severely with them but had forgiven and restored Aaron. God was gracious to forgive and accept unworthy Aaron and Miriam.  Now, ironically, it was the forgiven rebel’s rod of Aaron that from this day forward would be a warning to not rebel against God's chosen leaders.  Verse 10 commands that Aaron's miraculously budding rod be placed before the tabernacle continually to warn further rebels, like Korah, from being so presumptuous.

End with Prayers of:

• Adoration - Praise Him and Boast in Him for who He is in today's reading
• Thanksgiving - Offer humble gratitude for big and small blessings in your life - at least 3 new things
• Confession - Admit to the Lord areas you have resisted him or grieved him privately or in relationship
• Petition - Ask him for specific help for the many needs of others and you - that you may have power to do His will and see it today

Proud Beliefs in Korah Caused Ingratitude, Greed, Rebellion, and Death

Begin your study with prayer for the Lord to open your eyes to see who He is more clearly and how to respond to Him more deeply in heart affections and horizontal, radical love toward others.


SUMMARY OF TODAY'S READING
Numbers 16 Summary
Proud Beliefs in Korah Caused Ingratitude, Greed, Rebellion, and Death

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Numbers 16

NOTES


Proud Beliefs in Korah Caused Ingratitude, Greed, Rebellion, and Death
Moses says "Is it not enough that the Lord has... " and then explains to these rebels how good God has been to choose them as Levites and yet now they want more - to exalt themselves as priests. Lack of gratitude in what the  Lord has called us to be and do for His glory reveals existence of pride as we believe we are more significant and people should recognize us and promote us. Such proud ingratitude can turn to greed and results in rebellion. 


Oh Christian, let it be enough that God has brought you near to Himself, fulfill the responsibilities God has assigned you today; stop thinking thee are such things in your service of Him that is "big or small"! Keep an awareness that you don't deserve such a high calling to serve Him - whether it's a calling to represent Him and serve Him as a mom or dad to those precious children, or an employee to that company, or a teacher, a friend, a caregiver, a son or daughter, etc.. Watch out for the natural tendency of our blind, proud heart to believe we deserve a better calling and should be given opportunity to "strut our stuff". No calling in life is low when the Lord has called us to serve Him in it. 


For more, look up the following passages and write out how these verses instruct and motivate service to the big and small things and people of our life. Realizing in the end there are no little people or little places today as you serve the Lord: 1 Corinthians 10:31, Mathews 25:40, Col 3:18-4:1, Luke 17:7-10; Luke 12:37. 


He is the one we serve as we serve in the seemingly little roles; He is the audience and He is our reward in the end. We must not, like Korah and the 250 prominent leaders of Israel, listen to such deceptive beliefs about ourselves that and our callings that stem from our flesh and blindness to His glory. How ugly it is to carry around proud beliefs that we are some how more significant than what we have been given to do by the Lord today. Such pride will rob us of the joy and exalted positions in serving the King and bring us low. As we read this story of Korah's rebellion, pride, ingratitude, and greed let it be a warning to deter us from those four foolish responses to such high callings today.


End with Prayers of:

• Adoration - Praise Him and Boast in Him for who He is in today's reading.
• Thanksgiving - Offer humble gratitude for big and small blessings in your life - at least 3 new things
• Confession - Admit to the Lord areas you have resisted him or grieved him privately or in relationship.
• Petition - Ask him for specific help for the many needs of others and you - that you may have power to do His will and see it today.

Special Time of Prayer - Today's Kindling

From time to time, I will interrupt our normal reading to give you a worship activity that I think will help you stay focused on worship as the goal of time in the Word.  I encourage you today to pray through the following pray.  Let the Lord use it to kindle you affections for Him that you may love Him and others better today.  After praying make a brief list of things you need to confess to Him and seek His help to change you today.  We will resume normal readings tomorrow.  

Your brother,     Tim Bryant 

Prayer to Begin Your Time in the Word

Oh Father, glorify your name.  Draw me by your grace to know you to the point of desiring to fear and glorify You aright (Ps 86:11). Use your Word to teach me this knowledge of You and fear of You (Ps 119:38; Ps 34:9-14).  Illumine the study of your word to the eyes of my heart that your glory may be unveiled to me that I may give you the respect and awe you deserve today (Rev 15:3-4; Eph 1:15-19).   I want to know You so well that it is the delight of my life to fear You, like my Lord Jesus Christ did while on earth (Is 11:3).  It is through Christ that I have been given personal and accurate knowledge of you as my Father (Jn 17:3).  Through Christ, teach me to know You so well that I both tremble and rejoice in the fact that you would choose me to know You. (Ps 2:11; Phil 2:12-13)  Teach me to know You so well that I both tremble and rejoice when Your Word reveals to me Your will in a matter (Is 66:2).  

Help me live more and more of my moments and dealings on earth in the awareness that I live every moment “before the face God” (Latin – “Corem Deo”) - all that I am is completely exposed and vulnerable to the eyes of You with whom I have to do. (Heb 4:12-13) – help me comprehend this, Oh God.  Oh God, forgive me for taking your existence so lightly (Heb 12:5-6; Gen 5:2).  So many deeds, so many thoughts, so many motives so unresponsive to You – forgive me, through the blood of Christ (Rom 3:10-18).  I take so lightly Your justice, holiness, righteousness, perfection, discipline, sovereign control, greatness, power – I resist and transgress these, Your glories, not only in my action but in my lack of attentiveness to them and affections for them.  Forgive me and awaken my heart (Ps 86:11). 

I take so lightly your goodness, love, grace, mercy, compassion, kindness, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, patience, forgiveness, sacrifice and favor.   Let me be moved by the Truth of these for you are worthy of much more attention and affection and devoted surrender than I have given You, Oh great King. 

 Oh God, unite my heart to fear Thy name (Ps 86:11).  Teach me to revere you in my actions, thoughts, and motives as I relate with others (Eph 5:21) that I may exercise and fan into flame this precious gift, this fear of the Lord.

Help me not to look or speak down on others, for you will judge me in like manner – but love them, as you have loved me (James 4:11-12; Rom 14:10-13); .  Help me not be impatient with others, for you been infinitely patient and still are, with the likes of me.  Help me not claim my rights, for before You.  I have no rights only responsibilities and opportunities and wonderful undeserved blessings (Phil 2:3-5; Rom 12; Eph 1:3ff).  Help me forbear and forgive others for sins against me, for you will withhold forgiveness from me if I do not (Matt 18:32-35; Mk 11:25). 

Help me actively speak to others about the Truth of your Word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ as one who speaks from sincerity in the sight of God - before your eyes…as one who knows they will stand condemned before you apart from faith and repentance in Christ (2 Cor 2:17; Eph 6:18; Col 4:4-5) - that I may not shrink back from speaking when I ought, nor speak wrongly when I do.  Help me not to fear the consequences or reward of others, but only You alone (Lam 3:38; Heb 11:6). 

I want to live as one who fears and gives full attention to your promises, as well as your warnings, above any other promises or warnings for I know this is true worship.  Oh my God, I know the fear of the Lord is clean (Ps 19:9); it is a life-giving fountain (Prov 14:27) that produces wisdom, obedience (Ps 111:10), fulfillment, safety (Ps 145:19), Divine treasure (Ps 31:19), confidence, future safety for children (Prov 14:26), and happiness (Ps 128:1), and so much more. 

Oh Lord, let me know you so deeply that I fear You – that the best and main thoughts of my day are about You and to You – bless me with this life-giving fear of the Lord.  I know that if I learn to fear you, I will delight in You (Is 11:3).  I know if I fear you, you will delight in me (Ps 147:11) – I want this. 

I was made to fear, trust, and love something supremely – You alone are worthy, may I realize this – help me do so.  The knowledge of You produces the fear that produces all else!  Jesus said, “no one knows the Father accept the one to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him” (Matt 11:27).  Thank you Christ for giving me this knowledge of the Father, thank you Father for giving me the knowledge of the Son – this has changed my life and eternity.  I commit to making time to know You and to responding to what your Word leads me to see and do.  Oh, Father, glorify Thy name.

Numbers 15 & Mark 6 -Today's Kindling

Begin your study with prayer for the Lord to open your eyes to see who He is more clearly and how to respond to Him more deeply in heart affections and horizontal, radical love toward others.

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S READING
Numbers 15 Summary
New Regulations for Grain & Drink Offerings, Method of Forgiveness for Ignorant Sin and Method of Life-long Punishment for Willful Sin, The Instruction and Significance to God for the Children of Israel to Always Wear Specifically Designed Tassels on the End of Their Garments


Mark 5 Summary
Jesus Receives No Honor in His Home Town, The Twelve Are Sent Out, Herod Is Seduced Sexually Results in An Action He Regrettably Must Fulfill to Behead John the Baptist, Jesus Prescribes Rest to His Twelve After Demanding Ministry, Five Thousand Are Fed  Out of Jesus Compassion to Meet Practical Needs, Jesus Walks on Water Scaring the Disciples.

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Numbers 15
Mark 6

NOTES

NUMBERS 15
"I Didn't Know" Is Sin - vs 22-24  
God still required an offering for forgiveness.  God did not want them to take lightly ignorance to the law.  He wanted them to remain aware of the law that set them apart from the rest of the world for His own possession.  But He made a provision for forgiveness of ignorant disobedience.


But "I Did Know & Did It Anyway" Is Gone- vs 30
NASB translates this sin "defiant sin".  Wow!  Put out for good for doing wrong when you know it is wrong.  I know we often look down on Israel for rejecting the Lord so many times, but we must say that the fact that more of them did not get removed for sinning willfully show that they must have had diligence in their obedience.  Obedience to the law set them apart for God's laws were very different from the laws of other nations. The children of God are a peculiar people for God's own possession and look so when we obey His Word, but His law is all good, we are the ones who make obedience a chore verses a privilege. 

An Illustration of Willful Sin - God Is Serious
A man was picking up sticks on the Sabbath and God commanded him stoned by all!  The fact that more of them were not killed because of willful sin on the Sabbath reveals they had a serious diligence in their obedience to God.  We tend to take lightly the principle of Sabbath rest, but it is for our good and God's glory He gives us commands. May we, the 21st century New Covenant followers of Christ who have the Spirit, yield even greater obedience to Him.

End with Prayers of:

• Adoration - Praise Him and Boast in Him for who He is in today's reading.
• Thanksgiving - Offer humble gratitude for big and small blessings in your life - at least 3 new things
• Confession - Admit to the Lord areas you have resisted him or grieved him privately or in relationship.
• Petition - Ask him for specific help for the many needs of others and you - that you may have power to do His will and see it today.

Numbers 12,13,14 & Mark 5 - Today's Kindling

Begin your study with prayer for the Lord to open your eyes to see who He is more clearly and how to respond to Him more deeply in heart affections and horizontal, radical love toward others.

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S READING
Numbers 12 Summary
Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses and because of Moses' calling and humility before God, God avenges Moses by bringing leprosy on Miriam; and Moses, being humble, intercedes and God does not kill her. 

Number 13 Summary
It was time to spy the promised land and go claim it, but 10 of the 12 spies return with a bad report.  A victim mentality is embraced while the 2 godly spies, Caleb and Joshua, gave a biblically optimistic report. 

Number 14 Summary
The people become depressed and suicidal and speak against God and Moses.  Joshua and Caleb attempt to inspire them with Biblical optimism and as a result they attempt to stone them but God rescues and prepares to kill Israel.  But humble Moses intercedes and God relents but vows to not let one of that generation enter the land except Joshua and Caleb.   The people end in great mourning after realizing they should have believed and went in, and the chapter ends with the enemy coming in and beating them down as they run for their lives! Let us believe the Word and obey it that we may not have to be disciplined like they. 

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Numbers 12
Numbers 13
Numbers 14

Mark 5

NOTES

God Protects Humble Moses - Numbers 12:2
Humility is impossible for God to resist. Moses is called the most humble man on the earth in the context of having his leadership questioned by Miriam and Aaron. Moses did not enter into a fight and defend himself, he let God. Humility in potential conflict is key. Note that humble Moses even intercedes for Miriam once she was struck with leprosy, and the Lord listened. Wow!  Be humble next time you are offended by doing and saying what God desires, he will give you grace and defend you. Be like Moses.

They Are Too Strong For Us - But What About God?  - Number 13:31-33
Note the belief the unfaithful spies had about themselves in light of the size of the enemy - "we were like grass hoppers". It was not that they needed to believe in themselves more, but in the call and Word of God who promised then the land and was commanding them to fight.  We must look beyond the size of the enemies and circumstances and our lack of resources, and to God to see what he wants us to do. Faith in God and obedience to the Word of God is the victory not more faith in self and self esteem.

If The Lord Us Pleased with Us, He Will Bring Us In -  Numbers 14:8-9 
Caleb and Joshua, the two faithful spies, model the right response of faith and obedience. Note what they believed about the Lord and the enemy - our God has commanded us, our God has removed the protection of the enemy, He is for us. Faith in God and His Word is the victory, instead of faith in ourselves. 

Your Corpses Shall Die  in the Wilderness  - Numbers 14:28-30  
As a result of their unbelief which led to the rebellion, that generation of Israel was denied access to the promise land. Caleb and Joshua would be the only remaining Israelites from the current generation that would set foot in the promise land. Let no fear or desire keep you from believing in the power and promise of your God, or you will not endure obediently in the battles of life.



Mark 5 

Vs 7 - Demons know Jesus is superior and fear His torment.  "We will not fear for God has willed His Truth to triumph through us - The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him, his rage we can endure, for lo his doom is sure - One little Word shall fell Him."

Vs 13 Jesus had to give the demon permission. The demon could not choose as he wills but as Jesus willed.

Vs 34 She believed Jesus had power to heal physically this infirmity - no one else had been able to help her.  Verse 26 said she "endured" much attempts at the hand of others.  Let us go first to Jesus with our needs.  Let us by prayer seek to touch him by faith for our need.  Let us speak to him of the physical and spiritual needs we have.  He, in the end, is the one that decides how he will meet those needs, but let us not be lazy in asking.  He has asked us to ask!

Vs 41 Jesus raises Jairus' daughter from the dead! He has power over death.  How amazed the people must have been.  A man who has power over demons, over disease, and over death itself.  And the best was yet to come - power over sin and hell which would not be seen until His death and resurrection.  Let us never get so focused on the temporal needs Jesus can meet that we miss out on the bigger eternal and internal needs he came to earth to meet.  We need His power over sin and its eternal penalty. we need to know the living God and have a new heart for God.  We need His power over our inclination to do wrong and rebel.  Let us not forget these needs as the most important things we must hunger for from Him; even above physical healing - our soul healing from sin's disease is our greatest need that we may glorify and enjoy God forever.

End with Prayers of:

• Adoration - Praise Him and Boast in Him for who He is in today's reading.
• Thanksgiving - Offer humble gratitude for big and small blessings in your life - at least 3 new things
• Confession - Admit to the Lord areas you have resisted him or grieved him privately or in relationship.
• Petition - Ask him for specific help for the many needs of others and you - that you may have power to do His will and see it today.

Numbers 9,10,11 - Today's Kindling

(This is our last Word-Worship reading for this week.  We will pick up next week.  If you have gotten behind you can use the weekend to catch up.)

Begin your study with prayer for the Lord to open your eyes to see who He is more clearly and how to respond to Him more deeply in heart affections and horizontal, radical love toward others.

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S READING
Numbers 9 Summary
The one year anniversary of the Passover is commemorated and the way in which the Lord led Israel by cloud in the day and fire by night is described.

Number 10 Summary
Various practical uses of trumpet sounds are instituted and instructed by the Lord as a very significant sign of Israel's dedication to the Lord throughout all generations, and Israel begins a journey back to the mountain of the Lord (i.e. Mount Sinai).


Number 11 Summary
Obedient Israel becomes complaining, greedy, and rebellious Israel and suffers the consequences of provoking the Lord to anger; In His anger, the Lord blast the outskirts with the fire of his anger and some are killed for complaining, and then the Lord fed them with quail for 30 days until it came out their nostrils, and then the Lord in His anger struck Israel with a plague.

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Numbers 9
Numbers 10
Numbers 11


NOTES
MOSES GETS HIS INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE LORD  - Numbers 9:8
Those who could not observe the first anniversary of the Passover because of touching a dead body (vs 6-7) were concerned about being denied this.  Moses did the right thing.  He told them to wait and he would listen to what  the Lord said.  Moses continues to show faithfulness to depending on the Lord for direction.  He evidences humility before the Lord. 

NOMADS, BUT KNOWN BY GOD AS HIS CHILDREN - Numbers 9:22
The children of Israel never knew from night to night whether they where going to be moving camp or staying the night - they only knew they had to obediently follow the cloud by day and pillar by night.  This could not have been easy to do nor accept.  But in 9:22 we see that homeless Israel remained encamped or set out to travel based on God's directions sometimes it was 2 days a month or a year according to this passage.  Those of us who worship material security, stability and comfort would not make it long in these conditions.  Imagine how it would be.  God does not want us too comfortable or secure as earth as our home.  He is our security, stability, and comfort.  That is why he puts us in wilderness sojourning conditions. 

THE SILVER TRUMPETS INSTITUTED - Numbers 10:9
Twice blown - all the congregation is to come to worship, once blown - only the leaders, an alarm sound - camps are to set out on the east for battle, a second alarm - camps on the south set out.  Only the priestly sons of Aaron are to blow the trumpets. If Israel was faithful to this, God promised to remember them and save them from their enemies.  There was no mystical power given to the trumpet, only a promise by a faithful God.  This trumpet blast will sound again one day when our conquering Savior and King returns to fight the last battle. 

CHRIST IN THE OLD TESTAMENT - Numbers 10:14
Don't miss the preeminence of the tribe of Judah among the tribes; they are the first to lead the tribes in march.   This is because Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. 


ISRAEL FAILS THE TEST
Israel had been so obedient up to this point in Numbers, but now they seem to be wearing thin from all the traveling and unrest - they began to "complain of adversity", so the Lord anger burned up those on the outskirts of camp - it is best to live as close to the Lord (i.e tabernacle) as we can get. (11:1); Then, the rabble among them (or Egyptians who worshiped false gods) influenced them to become greedy and want more than plain manna to eat.  Israel whined so intensely that Moses has one of the biggest pity-parties in the Bible we read about (11:10-15).  It is really quite comical especially if you read it in the NLT.  But bottom line, this was very serious reactions against the Lord who had rescued them from Egypt and sustained them in the desert.  Bottom line their desire for more tasty food was not in and of itself sin, but this desire was too big.  It was a "greedy desire". It caused them as Moses said "to reject the Lord."  This rejection was expressed through complaining and whining.  Oh let us understand what the same Lord today feels when we, like these children, complain and whine about what better we believe we deserve than what we are getting in this life.  Let us be satisfied with our God being with us and not become greedy for more than what we have.  We should be humbly grateful ever day we awake without being consumed by His wrath in the lake of fire for our sinful state.  He has not given us what we deserve (i.e. hell) but has rather given us an inheritance that cannot fade away and a promise of His presence in our lives that will never leave us or forsake us.


End with Prayers of:

• Adoration - Praise Him and Boast in Him for who He is in today's reading.
• Thanksgiving - Offer humble gratitude for big and small blessings in your life - at least 3 new things
• Confession - Admit to the Lord areas you have resisted him or grieved him privately or in relationship.
• Petition - Ask him for specific help for the many needs of others and you - that you may have power to do His will and see it today.

Numbers 7,8 - Today's Kindling

Begin your study with prayer for the Lord to open your eyes to see who He is more clearly and how to respond to Him more deeply in heart affections and horizontal, radical love toward others.

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S READING
Numbers 7 Summary
The Leaders of Israel Offer Gifts to God for the Tabernacle and for the Altar in a 12 Day Celebration

Number 8 Summary
The Levites are Dedicated, Cleansed, Received just as the Lord commanded as the Tabernacle begins.

CLICK BELOW TO READ
Numbers 7
Numbers 8


NOTES
MOSES CONSECRATES THE TABERNACLE - Numbers 7:1
The tabernacle was finally finished being setup and now it was time to with great gifts and offerings and ceremonies symbolically offer it all to the Lord to be used for sacred purposes only.  The most important and valuable earthly possession of Israel, the tabernacle and all there in, had one single purpose - service to the Lord for the good of His people. 

A HOUSEWARMING GIFT FOR GOD - Numbers 7:2-5
The Leaders were moved to present a general offering that the Lord accepted for the use of the Levites service as they moved the temple - carts and oxen.  A housewarming gift for God used practically.  God had to give permission to accept it and to tell Moses how to use it. 

THE 12 DAYS OF DEDICATION - Numbers 7:6-83
It is important to note that God did not command the housewarming gift nor the 12 days of dedication offerings, it was the leaders of Israel that gave without command.   It was 12 days of celebration of this great occasion.  God was symbolically getting a movable temple, so to speak to "dwell" and thus teh people were going to be able in a more organized and secure way know that God was reachable and their God.   Temple to "gods" were big in that day.  But God allowed a long time without such a earthly "dwelling" proving himself to be not a creation of man, but the unseen God of all creation.

GOD DEDICATES, CLEANSES, RECEIVES THE LEVITES BASED ON OBEDIENT-FAITH TO HIS WORD
The Levites were cleansed, dedicated, and symbolically received as substitutes of the first born of Israel - all according to God's command.  What I note throughout chapter 8 is the Lord's repeated use of, "you shall".  Yet, in chapter 7, God does not commanding the giving of gifts but receives gift that come out of the overflow of the hearts of the leaders of His people.  God commands the dedication of the Levites according to His ways in chapter 8 and is glorified in the obedience.  There is no powerful, mystical divine "BOOM" that occurs as they follow the ceremonial, detailed instructions - just faithful obedience to the Word of the Lord from His people.  The ceremony accomplished nothing on its own - one distinction about our God and those created by man, is our God does not infuse with mystical power procedures.  Even baptism does not save us, even communion doe snot have divine power - these are only symbolic.  The Lord's response to our obedience is the key.  What Israel was doing was all symbolic - it represented the true God and His children's response to Him.  There is no "mystical" power in this dedication of the tabernacle or the priests - these are merely an expression of the obedient faith of His people.  Our God did not and still does not want His people to worship an image or a ritual, but Himself - we approach him by faith and always, which will express itself through obedience!    


End with Prayers of:

• Adoration - Praise Him and Boast in Him for who He is in today's reading.
• Thanksgiving - Offer humble gratitude for big and small blessings in your life - at least 3 new things
• Confession - Admit to the Lord areas you have resisted him or grieved him privately or in relationship.
• Petition - Ask him for specific help for the many needs of others and you - that you may have power to do His will and see it today.

Numbers 5,6 and Mark 4 - Today's Kindling

Begin your study with prayer for the Lord to open your eyes to see who He is more clearly and how to respond to Him more deeply in heart affections and horizontal, radical love toward others.

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S READING
Numbers 5 Summary
Incubation of the Diseased, Instructions for Restitution for Relational Wrongs, Dealing with Suspected Adultery

Number 6 Summary
The Nazirite Vow and the Priestly Blessing

Mark 4 Summary
The Parable of the Four Soils, the Lamp, the Growing Seed, the Mustard Seed; Jesus Has Power Over the Sea and Storms

CLICK BELOW TO READ
Numbers 5
Numbers 6
Mark 4

NOTES
GOD'S LAWS ARE WISE - Numbers 5:2
Separating those who would affect the others with disease that kills (probably speaking of leprosy) was loving to others. If my wife had contracted leprosy or my son was not careful to obey me and touched someone who had died with leprosy I would indeed struggle if I had to put them outside the camp. Yet, I would have to trust that God is God, he knows what is best for all. Faith in the God who delivered me from slavery on Egypt would have to override my feelings. 

LOVE DOES NO WRONG TO NEIGHBOR - Numbers 5:6
God gives very detailed information on what a person must do if he wrongs a neighbor. We see God making it to clear that you can not be right with Him and be doing wrong to a fellow brother or sister. The greatest way we evidence love for God is love for one another. The application we can take away from this section is seek forgiveness when you do wrong to another, both from them and God. Seek change and restoration of relationship by expressing sorrow through some type of practical restitution.

STANDING TRIAL BEFORE THE LORD - Numbers 5:16
Potential Adultery of a wife against her husband is in view here. God will not punish the innocent but he will in no means leave the guilty unpunished. The guilt of the woman in question would be determined by the Lord not man, He is the judge of Isreal.

FALSE ACCUSATIONS - Number 5:31
Though not detailed in this verse, we know bringing false accusations on someone in a court was a very serious sin (Deut 19:18). Note this text says the husband would not be guilty if the charge against the wife is found to be true.  Yet, if she is innocent of the accusation, the husband would be guilty of the sin of false accusation.

NAZARITE VOW - Num 6:21
"Nazarite" transliterates in Hebrew to meaning "dedication by separation." Taking such a vow was voluntary, it was for a specific purpose one took such a vow revealing deeper loyalty to the Lord. If you took such a vow with it came other commitments required by the Lord having to do with abstaining from grapes, cutting hair, and no contact with dead bodies.  Many times when the Spirit of God works in our hearts, we make a special vow of dedication to God.  Hearing these extra requirements from God on making such a special vow of dedication and separation would help a person not rush to vow impulsively - without counting the cost, without sincerity.

WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR EARS - Mark 4:9,11
If we have ears to hear and believe the words of Christ, let us be thankful for it is a work of grace.  Jesus makes it clear that the twelve hear because it has been granted to them to hear.  There are two kinds of hearing "physical" and "spiritual".  If you can be motivated by the words of Christ to live different, than thanks be to God.  Indeed if we have ears to hear let us hear and heed!

WHAT IS THE CONDITION OF YOUR SOIL? - Mark 4:19-20
(Footpath Soil?) Is it hard and not receptive to the Word that you hear? (Rocky Soil?) Is it full of things that crowd out time to reflect and consider deeply the truths you hear? (Thorny Soil?) Is your soul full of other loves and pursuits that when push comes to shove spiritual change do not last?  (Fertile Soil?) Is you soul receptive to the Word, deeply reflective on the Word, in love with the Christ of the Word so that your life conforms and changes in accordance with the Word  - and the changes bear lasting fruit?  Prepare your soil to receive the Word rightly - hunger and thirst after righteousness.

ASLEEP IN THE STORM - Mark 4:40
Jesus knew perfectly the Father, thus he knew that nothing happens apart from the Father's will. He could sleep in the middle of a storm. It is important to realize that no enemy, no disease, no impending doom, no demon is to be feared as more consequential than God, because God is in charge of all consequences. We should fear the Lord only and we will not be controlled by fear.

End with Prayers of:

• Adoration - Praise Him and Boast in Him for who He is in today's reading.
• Thanksgiving - Offer humble gratitude for big and small blessings in your life - at least 3 new things
• Confession - Admit to the Lord areas you have resisted him or grieved him privately or in relationship.
• Petition - Ask him for specific help for the many needs of others and you - that you may have power to do His will and see it today.

Numbers 3,4 - Today's Kindling

Begin your study with prayer for the Lord to open your eyes to see who He is more clearly and how to respond to Him more deeply in heart affections and horizontal, radical love toward others.

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S READING
Numbers 3 Summary
God reaffirms Aaron and sons and priests and sets apart the Levites to assist and care for the tabernacle with specific responsibilities.  The Levites take the place of the first born of Israel due the Lord.

Numbers 4 Summary
Three final clans of the Levites are given special instructions in their responsibilities in the tabernacle.  One of which was given a stern warning to not even look at the most sacred objects uncovered or they would die.

CLICK BELOW TO READ
Numbers 3
Numbers 4
(No New Testament Reading Today)

NOTES
WE ALL NEED TO BE REMINDED! - Numbers 3:4

At the beginning of entering the promised land the Lord reaffirms the calling of Aaron and His sons to serve as priests.  But in so doing He begins with reminding them that only two of the four sons of Aaron remain because of the severity of the Lord's judgment against two for "offering strange fire to the Lord"; this revealed a lack of careful humility and reverence in following the Lord's directions. We too need such reminders of God's past severity in our lives to remind us as His children through Christ that He will lovingly discipline us because He loves us and He loves His holiness. This was written to cause a proper fear to occur in the heart of Israel so to keep them safe in humble obedience. Can you recall one or more such stories in your life to help you do the same? 

GOD GIVES THE LEVITES AN AMAZING STEWARDSHIP -  Numbers 3:6-8; 25-26, 28,31; 36-37
God required the first born from each household to be fully dedicated for His sacred use. Yet, He calls the Levites to take the place for each of the first born sons of Israel.  God sets the Levite apart to be His to work under Aaron and Aaron's two remaining sons in performing the sacred duties of the sanctuary and to care for the tabernacle.  God has the Levites numbered and organized into three groups giving specific responsibilities to each in detailed delegation; they would care for different aspects and materials that made up the holy tabernacle. What a trust was placed in their hands. Oh let us realize we have an even greater stewardship as each one of us are priests of the new covenant through Christ. Give us grace, Oh Lord, to be faithful and walk worthy of such a high calling.

REDEMPTION IN THE OLD TESTAMENT - Numbers 3:45-51

Our sin requires payment because God is just. Our payment for sin can be substituted - paid by another. Here we see that principles of substitute payment. The Levites were substituted for the first-born, but because there were more first born than Levites than first born, the difference was made up in silver payment.  Christ's death was our substitute payment in full.

MAN'S RESPONSE TO GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS - Numbers 3:51

They did "just as the Lord had commanded". God is God and we are not. He knows best, He loves most, He is bigger than us - what more do we need to know about Him to follow his commands? Let us do His will today.

DO NOT EVEN LOOK OR YOU DIE! - Number 4:17, 20

This Kohathite clan was given such a sacred duty that if they even looked at the most sacred objects uncovered they would die! They would have to be very careful to not violate this especially since they would be carrying them personally for a long distance each time the tabernacle was picked up and moved to the next battle.  This all seems a bit overkill for our 21st century view of God, but let us remember that God is jealous to be hallowed on earth and through Christ He will fully accomplish that in us - for we are His children through Christ who have the indwelling Spirit of God giving us increased comprehension of the glory of our God.  Note the responsibility earlier in verse 17 that God gives to Moses and Aaron to make sure they don't allow this looking to occur.  We have a responsibility to help our fellow brothers and sisters revere the Lord.  It is a loving thing to speak to one another of the glory due His name.

End with Prayers of:
Adoration - Praise Him and Boast in Him for who He is in today's reading.
Thanksgiving - Offer humble gratitude for big and small blessings in your life - at least 3 new things
Confession - Admit to the Lord areas you have resisted him or grieved him privately or in relationship.
Petition - Ask him for specific help for the many needs of others and you - that you may have power to do His will and see it today.

Numbers 1,2 and Mark 3 - Today's Kindling

(This is the same as Saturday's daily worship-word reading because that was an example.  Today is the actual start date.  You will receive these Monday through Friday.  If you sign up at the top right of this page by entering your email you will receive these via your email inbox.  May God grow us in worship today .)

Begin your study with prayer for the Lord to open your eyes to see who He is more clearly and how to respond to Him more deeply in heart affections and horizontal, radical love toward others.

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S READING
Numbers 1,2 Summary
God instructs Isreal in preparing to conquer the long-awaited promised land with the tabernacle being central to the plan.

Mark 3 Summary
Jesus is shown as Lord of Sabbath, Lord over demons, and blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is explained

CLICK BELOW TO READ
Numbers 1
Numbers 2
Mark 3

NOTES
THE LORD IS HOLY - Numbers 1:51
The Lord was to be regarded as holy. Such a severe response to us, no doubt. But this reveals to us the great chasm that exists between God's glory and expectations and our sinfulness and due condemnation. Were it not for grace we would be burning in the lake of wrath for our smallest infraction of compliance.

MAN'S RESPONSE TO GOD'S HOLINESS -  Numbers 1:53
We also stand guard over our children and fellow brothers and sisters, to a degree, to keep them from provoking the Lord to anger. We seek to encourage reverence for Christ in attitude and behavior, and warn and guard against a cavalier atttiude toward the Holy God who has become our Father in Christ.

GOD-CENTERED EXISTENCE - Numbers 2:2
The Lord was the center of the community and the army. What a picture of how we as to live as we do battle in life and fulfill his will and follow his Word.

CHRIST IN THE OLD TESTAMENT - Numbers 2:3
The tribe of Judah leading the way in the battle of the people of God going in to claim the promised land. Christ was from the tribe of Judah.

JESUS IS LORD OF THE SABBATH - Mark 3:2
Jesus, the Living Word, was correcting their view on adding to the command to keep the Sabbath holy - they had hundreds of rules about how to keep the Sabbath perfectly. Jesus was also correcting the pride behind such rules that believed they could by the law and their rules gain access and favor with God.

JESUS IS LORD OVER DEMONS - Mark 3:11
What power a person had when he can have such fear arise in such powerful beings as demons.

BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT - Mark 3:29-30
This unpardonable sin is the sin of not believing that Jesus is God but rather believing the Spirit of Jesus was actually the Spirit of the Devil.

End with Prayers of: (You are encouraged to write  or type these prayers out, if possible)
Adoration - Praise Him and Boast in Him for who He is in today's reading.
Thanksgiving - Offer humble gratitude for big and small blessings in your life - at least 3 new things
Confession - Admit to the Lord areas you have resisted him or grieved him privately or in relationship.
Petition - Ask him for specific help for the many needs of others and you - that you may have power to do His will and see it today.

The Purpose of the Daily Worship-Word Readings

What to Expect If You Sign Up & Follow This Blog 

For some time I have considered the need to help those I am counseling and training by creating a daily Bible reading devotion with some added personal notes that they could use to help supplement my counseling and training.  So after much consideration I want to invite you to a 5 day a week devotion I am creating at this blog.  It is unique in the following ways: 

1. Read through the Bible in three years one book at a time, alternating between an Old Testament and New Testament Reading (15-20 minutes).
2. My personal notes are added on selected verses as well a summary on today's reading so that as you read you can better focus your attention and gain more Spirit-given, life-changing insights.
3. The notes are focused specifically on helping you grow in the worship of God. Many times our orientation to the reading and study of Scripture is for secondary purposes that never get us to the primary purpose of worship.  These notes will seek to help you see the glory of God more clearly in the Scripture and motivate you to affection for Christ leading to practical love for others.
4. You will be able to see other’s comments who are going through the readings, as well as share comments as to how the Lord is using the Daily Word-Worship Readings in your life.

If this is something that will help you as we seek to see the Lord continue to transform your heart and use your life for His glory, please check out the new blog below, sign up and let others know.  

Your brother in Christ,

Tim Bryant