Bible Pathway - Feb. 13, 2010
Highlights:
Census and duties of the Levites, the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites; the redemption of the firstborn.
Verses for Today:
Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord, when they offered strange (unlawful) fire before the Lord, in the wilderness of Sinai (Num. 3:4).Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's two oldest sons, had been greatly honored by being included with Moses and Aaron and 70 elders to go up Mount Sinai at the Lord's command (Ex. 24:1,9). They had been given national recognition and God-ordained spiritual leadership. But, all this did not protect them from the consequences of their disobedience. They presumed to burn incense, symbolic of the prayers of the people, with unauthorized fire, that is, fire not kindled by God on the Brasen Altar (Lev. 9:23-24; 10:1-2).
God cannot overlook disobedience to His Word whether one is a popular "spiritual" leader or just an "ordinary" Christian. Even to become a Christian, if there is no intent to submit one's life to please the Lord, it would be hypocrisy.
A true Christian will seek . . . first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). As children of God, it is of utmost importance that our loyalty to Christ and His Word should be our first consideration. All else is of less importance, such as employment, hobbies, sports, friends, etc. We must desire to have Christ as Lord (Ruler) over our lives. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled (Col. 1:21).
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering . . . Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the Truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful
Thought for Today:
Love worketh no ill to his neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law (Rom. 13:10).
Christ Portrayed:
By Aaron, the high priest, who was served by the Levites (Numbers 3:6). As a holy and royal priesthood, we serve Christ, our great High Priest (John 12:26; I Pet. 2:5,9; Heb. 4:14).
Word Studies:
3:10 wait on =care for; 3:12 matrix =womb; 4:3 all that enter into the host =those who qualify to enter the service; 4:6 staves =carrying poles; 4:10 bar =carrying frame; 4:24 burdens =to carry when moving.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Government Official: Gov. Anibal Acevedo-Vila (PR) • Country: Venezuela (23 million) on the northern coast of South America • Major languages: Spanish and Indian dialects • Religious freedom • 94% Roman Catholic; 1% Protestant; 1% Indian pagan religions • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for the Lord to give you the right words to share Christ with others (Matt. 10:18-20).
Optional Reading: Mark 16
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:7-11
