Bible Pathways 02/01/2002

February 01

Read Leviticus 1 -- 3

In Today's Reading:

God said to Moses Speak to the children of Israel (Leviticus 1:1-2). Can you imagine what He had to say? You need to read and find out for yourself how to have fellowship with God.

Verse for Today:

He shall offer of the sacrifice of the Peace Offering an offering made by fire to the Lord (Leviticus 3:3).

Highlights:

Burnt Offering; Meat (meal) Offering; Peace Offering.

In all of the offerings, the Lord's portion was always presented first. The Peace Offering was not required, but strict regulations had to be followed when it was offered. There could be no peace or fellowship with God until all regulations of the Sin and Trespass Offerings had first been obeyed.

The Peace Offering was a sweet savor offering -- meaning it was willingly given to God in gratitude for what He had done for them.

The Peace Offering was different from the Sin, Trespass, Burnt or Meal Offerings in that it was always shared with others. The priest, the worshiper, and his family and friends all shared in this meal. It was a joyful occasion of fellowship with one another and thankfulness to God for what He had arranged for them.

Some Christians never experience the true meaning of the Peace Offering. They have accepted Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives and experience peace with God. But they know little of the peace of God which passes (goes beyond) all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Since the days when Adam and Eve decided to question the will and Word of God, our major war with Satan has remained the same -- Who will control our thoughts (the mind)? To experience the peace of God we need to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:5; see also Romans 12:2). Not to do so explains why some Christians are frustrated, fearful, unhappy, depressed, dissatisfied, and discouraged. They are still expressing the doubts that the devil suggested to Eve. They sincerely love God but there is a further need to be "transformed by the renewing of your mind".

The peace of God is two fold: It is based upon our unquestioned faith and trust in His Word and presenting our bodies a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). This is our "peace offering" that brings us into harmony with His Holy Nature. In contrast, thoughts of lust, covetousness, dissatisfaction, ill will, jealousy, envy, and hatred destroy the peace of God. It is the hidden man of the heart (1 Peter 1:15; 3:4) that the Holy Spirit must control. The Holy Spirit reveals the key: Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).

A Thought from Proverbs: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding (9:10).

Christ Revealed:

Through the Meat (meal never meat) Offering which was made without leaven (symbolic of sin) (Leviticus 2:11). Jesus was without sin (Hebrews 4:15).

Word Studies:

1:6 flay = skin; 1:9 sweet savor = acceptable satisfying fragrance; 2:1 Meat Offering = Meal or Grain, meat is an old English word used for food in general; 2:3 a thing most holy = only to be used as God directs; 2:4 unleavened = without yeast; 2:9 memorial = remembrance-offering; 2:12 oblation = offering; 3:1 blemish = defect or imperfection; 3:3 inwards = internal organs; 3:9 hard by = near, close.

NOTE: Definitions may not agree with present-day usage; we attempt to explain the thought expressed in the original language.

Prayer Needs:

Government Officials: Sen. Mike Enzi (WY), Rep. Tom Lantos (CA), and Rep. Paul Gillmor (OH) · Pray for one more person to read through the Bible · Country: Samoa (190,000) in the South Pacific · Major languages: Samoan and English · Religious freedom · 68% Protestant; 21% Roman Catholic; 9% cults; 2% Baha'i · Prayer Suggestion: Bless the Lord at all times regardless of circumstances (Psalms 34:1).

NOTE: Our information regarding government officials may not immediately reflect election results.

Optional Reading: Mark 4

NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:6