Bible Pathway - Feb. 11, 2012

Highlights:

Talk about the benefits of walking on the "straight and narrow" — the blessings of God are marvelous and awesome. Then in contrast we read the horrific results of disobedience. Discover where the fear of the Lord comes in and the three things that are absolutely the Lord's.

But if ye 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 (Lev. 26:14,19).

Jehovah's great love to Israel was revealed when He said: I will walk among you (26:12). He promised great blessings of abundant prosperity, victory over every enemy, and peace in their land: If ye . . . keep My Commandments (26:3).

His presence would mean both personal and national peace (Shalom — Hebrew word meaning peace). But it was also foretold that God would withdraw His blessings if they continued to be disobedient, and the end result would be: Ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up (26:38). Israel's history is proof of their rejection of His commands and persistent rebellion against His will. The unbelief of the first generations after they left Egypt prevented them from possessing the promised land. The second generation followed Joshua into Canaan but continued to break their covenant relationship, and every blessing was changed into a curse.

If a man sows wheat, he does not reap barley. He reaps that which he sows. Sin and rebellion always produce destruction (Gal. 6:7-8). Israel learned through bitter suffering that the way of transgressors is hard (Prov. 13:15). This is an unalterable spiritual principle. It would be a perversion of the love of God to imagine otherwise.

And what agreement hath the Temple of God with idols? for ye are the Temple of the Living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate . . . and I will receive you (II Cor. 6:16-17).

Obedience to the will of God is the key to gaining true satisfaction in life. Even Christ learned obedience and became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9).

It is of utmost importance that we read His Word every day so the Holy Spirit can guide us in a life of obedience. Blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it (Luke 11:28).

Thought for Today:

I will delight myself in Thy Statutes: I will not forget Thy Word (Ps. 119:16).

Christ Revealed:

As the One who will dwell among us (Lev. 26:11). The Word was made flesh, and dwelt (tabernacled) among us (John 1:14).

Word Studies:

26:13 bondmen, slaves; 26:16 consumption may mean tuberculosis; burning ague, fever; 26:25 avenge the quarrel, execute punishment; 26:30 images, altars for heathen worship; 27:2 a singular vow, a special personal commitment.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Rob Woodall (GA) and Rep. Tammy Baldwin (WI) • Country: Saudi Arabia (20.9 million) on the Arabian Peninsula in southwestern Asia • Major language: Arabic • Christian worship services for foreign personnel are tolerated, but those who seek to convert Muslims to Christianity face persecution • 86% Sunni (Wahabi) Muslim; 10% Shi'ite Muslim; 1% Ismaili Muslim; 3% Others (including 600,000 Christians and some Hindus and Buddhists) • Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks for trials because from them we can learn patience (Rom. 5:3).

Optional Reading: Mark 14:1

Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:17