Bible Pathways - Feb. 5, 2009
February 5
Highlights In Today's Reading:
The one underlying essential to cleanse sin is revealed in today's Bible reading. God has specific laws concerning clean and unclean animals, childbirth, and the dreadful leprosy (a representation of sin).
Rigid commandments were given concerning which animals could be eaten and which ones could not. These laws about food were to keep the Israelites physically well. It shows us the loving care that God has for His people. These laws clearly separated the Israelites from all other nations and were intended to teach Israel that all authority rested in God for their best health.
Only the food that was considered clean according to the command of God was to be eaten. These are the beasts which ye shall eat. . . . For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves. . . . ye shall therefore be holy; for I am holy. . . . make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten (11:2,44-47).
The animals that were acceptable for food were those that chewed their cud and had a divided hoof. These two features represent two characteristics of the Christian life. 1) The people of God must be separated from worldliness as a purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:14). 2) In order for a Christian to remain clean, he should continue to meditate upon the Word of God (like "chewing the cud"). We must daily read and feed upon His Word, for Jesus said: Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3).
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Cor. 7:1).
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (conduct) (I Pet. 1:14-15). Peter's vision on the housetop of Joppa clearly confirms that Gentiles and all nationalities are called to be Christians. However, these ceremonial laws do teach the necessity of a clean mind and heart. Christ alone can bring us to the life described in these Scriptures.
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar (special) people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:13-14).
Thought for Today:
One of the most positive ways we can influence the world for Christ is to live a clean and holy life.
Christ Revealed:
Through the clean food of the believer (Leviticus 11:1-47). Our Lord is the Bread of Life (John 6:35), supplies living water (4:10,14), and His Father's will was His meat (food, nourishment) (4:34).
Word Studies:
11:3 clovenfooted =split-hoofed, 2 distinct hoofs; 11:35 ranges =cooking furnaces; 11:44 sanctify =dedicate to serve the Lord; 13:4 shut up =isolate, set apart; 13:5 be at a stay =was not changed; 13:10 quick =inflamed, ulcer forming; 13:43 rising =swelling; 13:45 rent =torn; 13:55 fret inward =eaten away within, infected
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Official: Gov. Jennifer Granholm (MI) • Country: Country: Argentina (37 million) in southern South America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Religious freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant; 1.5% Muslim; 1% Jewish; 2.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray when distressed and afflicted (Jon. 2:2).
Optional Reading: Mark 8
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:5-6
