TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
Leviticus 20:22-22:16
Mark 9:1-29
Psalm 43:1-5
Proverbs 10:18
Leviticus 20:24 — God will give the Israelites another nation’s land, flowing with milk and honey, and in return He asks obedience (Leviticus 20:22). God is in the middle of teaching His people that the land will be a gift (Exodus 6:4, 6:8, 12:25, 13:5, 13:11, 33:1; Leviticus 14:34, 23:10, 25:2, 25:38). So, when He asks for the firstfruits (Exodus 22:29), it is the product of the land that He gave them.
Similarly, when God asked for an offering of gold and silver (Exodus 35:5) – where did a band of former slaves get their gold and silver? From their former masters, the Egyptians (Exodus 12:35). Why would the Egyptians give gold and silver to their slaves? The LORD changed their heart (Exodus 12:36). Even more amazing – the LORD told Moses He would give them gold and silver earlier (Exodus 3:22). So, when God asked for the gold and silver, He was merely asking for some of what He had given them.
Which is part of why God was angry with His people over the golden calf. This was not their personal property that they had labored for and deserved. He had given gold and silver to them, and just asked for part, but they used His gift to make an idol (Exodus 32:2-4).
The gold and silver was not the Israelite’s, it was God’s. He took it from another and gave it to them, and He only asked for a portion back. The land was not the Israelite’s, it was God’s. He took it from another and gave it to them, and all He asked was for the firstfruits to be given back to Him. So, when the LORD asks you to give of your time, talent, and treasure to accomplish the Great Commission, all He is asking for is a portion of what He has already given to you.
To be fair, the gold, silver, and land were not the Egyptians or the Canaanites – Psalm 24:1 tells us that the earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof.
Leviticus 21:9 — There are only two Mosaic statutes that contain as a penalty human immolation, and both are sexual crimes. In Revelation 18:8, Babylon the harlot will also be burned with fire.
Leviticus 22:10 — We have been told who can eat of the holy thing and who can’t eat of the holy thing. However, there was a “loophole” that allowed David’s men to eat of it (1 Samuel 21:3-6). Jesus used this action (while not lawful, was not totally illegal – there wasn’t a corporal or capital punishment assigned) as a proof for His actions (Matthew 12:3-4).
Mark 9:6 — If you don’t know what to say, you’re better off saying nothing!
Psalm 43:5 — More promises for the hurting soul. Sometimes you need to give a “pep talk” to yourself: Hope in God!
Proverbs 10:18 — More warnings about the fool – may we avoid hatred, lying, and slander!
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