Bible Pathways 2/16/2004
Read Numbers 8 -- 9
In Today's Reading:
Cleansing of the Levites; national Passover; the Lord's guiding presence in the cloud and the fire over the Tabernacle
The Israelites gained their freedom from Egypt after they had observed the first Passover. The blood of an innocent lamb was placed on the doorpost but, equally important, they were commanded to eat the lamb.
Freedom from the cruel slavery of the Egyptian Pharaoh meant that now they were free to follow the leadership of the One True God.
And the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying, Let the children of Israel keep the Passover at its appointed season. In the fourteenth day of this month, at evening, you shall keep it (Numbers 9:1-3).
The Passover was a reminder of how the Israelites gained their freedom from slavery (Acts 7:6). Not only were they to partake of the Passover Feast, but they were also required to bring the Lord's offering: The man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbears to keep the Passover, even the same soul (person) shall be cut off (excommunicated from family and their nation) from among his people; because he brought not the offering of the LORD in its appointed season (time), that man shall bear his sin (9:13).
Today, our observance of the Lord's Supper is a reminder of our freedom from sin. We have become children of God and are prepared for our journey through life. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us (I Corinthians 5:7). The Apostle Paul bears witness to Jesus' words by saying: As often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show (proclaim) the Lord's death till He come (11:26).
Just as the Lord determined the journey of the Israelite tribes, He has a plan for each of us as we journey through life. Our supreme aim should be to accomplish His purpose for creating us. When our Creator God, Who is our loving Heavenly Father, is our Guide, what is there to fear? Perfect love casts out fear (I John 4:18). He has provided a reliable threefold Guide for daily direction through life — His perfect Word, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the power of prayer: For it is God Who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
Word Studies:
8:2 over against = in front of; 8:11 execute = perform; 8:18 for = instead of; 8:26 keep the charge = assisted in the duties; 9:13 forbeareth = neglects.
Christ Revealed:
The Passover serves as a beautiful illustration of the redemption Christ accomplished at Calvary as the Lamb of God (Numbers 9:2; compare John 1:29; I Corinthians 5:7).
Pray For:
the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Thomas Beaghen · Country: Norway (4 million) in northern Europe · Major language: Norwegian · Religious freedom · 95% Protestant; .4% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord amidst trouble and He will deliver you (Psalm 91:15).
Optional Reading: Luke 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:10
