Bible Pathway - Feb. 29, 2016
Read Numbers 36
Highlights:
The daughters of Zelophehad wisely understood the significance of the Lord's inheritance. Did you note the rule of inheritance (Num. 36:7)? In striking contrast, Esau sold (gave away) his birthright (Gen. 25:32-34) and later we read that God said: Esau have I hated (Mal. 1:3; Rom. 9:13).
These are the Commandments and the Judgments, which the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho (Num. 36:13).
The new generation of Israelites was "near Jericho," about to take possession of the promised land. But before they did, Moses reviewed the happenings of the past 40 years in the light of the Commandments of the Lord. He reminded them of the reason their fathers had not been allowed to enter Canaan. Moses emphasized the importance of having God Himself guide them if they were to possess the promised land.
The purpose of the Commandments was to teach the people of God that they must be cleansed from all that would defile them — morally and spiritually. They reveal the importance of the Word of God in instructing His people to live a holy life pleasing to the Lord. Obedience to these Commandments provided the means whereby the people of God could have fellowship with Him. This illustrates how obedience to the Word of God makes a Christian acceptable: Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in Me, and I in you (John 15:3-4).
The Commandments are the supreme Old Testament illustration of the great New Testament Truth. If we walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7).
Even the blood had no atoning value — no cleansing power — until it was offered in accordance with His Word. The blood was a substitute for the offender, the sinner, and pointed us toward the precious substitute, our Savior, who alone is able to cleanse us from sin.
The Book of Numbers reveals how the Lord's best is missed when we disobey His Word and fail to walk in His ways.Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the Living God (Heb. 3:12).
And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is Light, and in Him is no darkness at all (I John 1:4-5).
Thought for Today:
If we walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7).
Christ Revealed:
As the inheritance of the children of Israel (Num. 36:7). While they were given an inheritance of the land that would pass away, we have been given a greater inheritance, one that will not pass away. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten (through spiritual birth) us again unto a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible (imperishable), and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you (I Pet. 1:3-4).
Word Studies:
36:4 jubile refers to every fiftieth year jubilee, when all debts were canceled (Lev. 25:10-12,28).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts: Sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash in memory of Letha Hash • Country: Sweden (8.09 million) in northern Europe • Major language: Swedish • Religious freedom • 90% Evangelical Lutheran; 1.5% Roman Catholic; 1% Pentecostal; 4% Muslim; 3.5% Other (Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, Mormon, Buddhist) • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to reveal His will and fill you with His Spirit (Eph. 5:17-18).
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:20
