Read Numbers 8
Highlights:
Cleansing of the Levites; observance of the second Passover;the Lord’s guiding presence in the cloud and the fire over the Tabernacle
Released from the cruel slavery of Pharaoh in Egypt meant that now the Israelites were free to follow the leadership of the One True God through Moses, His chosen leader.
The Lord spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year . . . Let the children of Israel also keep the Passover at his (its) appointed season. In the fourteenth day of this month, at even (evening), ye shall keep it in his appointed season . . . and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it (Numbers 9:1-3).
The Israelites gained their freedom from Egypt and the control of Pharaoh after they observed the first Passover. This included, among other things, the blood of a lamb being placed on the doorpost of every home. Inside the home on that night the Israelites were also required to roast and then eat that same lamb. This lamb was symbolic of Christ whose blood cleanseth us from all sin (1 John 1:7) and who said: Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:54). As we read (eateth) His Word, it becomes part of us and sustains our lives (1 Peter 2:1-2).
The Passover was a reminder of how the Israelites had gained their freedom. Keeping the Passover at the required time was not an option; it was an obligation.
Today the Christian observance of the Lord’s Supper is an acknowledgment of our sins being forgiven. Then, as we read His Word, He becomes our Way of Life. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us (1 Corinthians 5:7). Paul bears witness to Jesus’ words (Luke 22:19) by saying to the Church: For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Just as the Lord determined the journey of the Israelite tribes, He has a plan for us as we journey through life. Our supreme aim should be to accomplish His purpose for creating us. God has provided a reliable threefold Guide for direction throughout life – His perfect Word, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the power of prayer. It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
Thought For The Day: The Lord's Supper replaced the Passover as a time to remember the One who by His death paid for our freedom.
Word Studies:
8:2 over against, in front of; 8:11 execute, perform; 8:18 for, instead of; 8:26 keep the charge, assist 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; 1 Corinthians 5:7).
Prayer Suggestion: Wait upon the Lord and He will renew your strength (Isaiah 40:31).
Optional Reading: Luke 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 4:14