Bible Pathway - Feb. 11, 2011
Read Leviticus 26
Highlights:
Talk about the benefits of walking on the "straight and narrow" — the marvelous blessings! Contrast the horrific results of disobedience. The fear of the Lord plus three things that are absolutely of the Lord.
Israel's success could not be explained by natural causes; the supernatural power of God was in control. The Israelites were reminded that God had brought them out of Egypt and consequently they were His people. Therefore, in loving gratitude, they should live to please their Master.
If ye walk in My Statutes, and keep My Commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase. . . . and ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword (Lev. 26:3-4,7-8).
He promised them blessings beyond compare if they would keep His Commandments, saying: I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be My people (26:12). God also graciously warned them, saying: If you will not hearken unto Me, and will not do all these Commandments. . . . I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass. . . . and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies. And ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up (26:14,19,37-38).
But the continual complaining and dissatisfaction of the adults who were delivered from Egyptian slavery prevented them from possessing the promised land (I Cor. 10:1-11; Heb. 3:7-19). This should be a warning to Christians today.
Just as the blessings of God were dependent upon the Israelites' obedience as well as gratitude, we, too, must obey His Word and be grateful to the Lord if we are to receive His blessings.
We have the privilege and highest honor of being soldiers in the army of the King of kings. Victory to the Israelites was not dependent on their strength but upon God who promised: Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts (Zech. 4:6).
To Christians Jesus still says: I am The Vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing (John 15:5).
Blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it (Luke 11:28)!
Thought for Today:
Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for Him: behold his reward is with Him, and his work before Him (Is. 40:10).
Christ Revealed:
As the Tabernacle to be sent to dwell among us (Lev. 26:11). The Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt (tabernacled) among us (John 1:14; Rev. 21:3).
Word Studies:
26:6 neither shall the sword go there will be no war; 26:10 store food supply; 26:13 go upright talk erect as free men; 26:15 abhor disregard, reject; 26:25 avenge the quarrel execute punishment.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Radio Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. Tammy Baldwin (WI) • Country: St. Lucia (154,000) in the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 83% Roman Catholic; 13% Protestant; 2% spirit worship • Prayer Suggestion: Your prayers must be offered to God with the Spirit and understanding (John 4:22-24).
Optional Reading: Mark 14
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:1-3
