Daily Bread for Feb 11, Num 1-2

Today's readings are Num 1-2.

Exodus shows us that God delivered His chosen people from Egypt, then equipped them for their journey. Leviticus reveals that they were given the guidelines for being His children. It also establishes His dwelling place among them. By the end of Leviticus, they are fully prepared to depart Sinai and head for Canaan.

This context is critical to understanding Numbers. At the end of Leviticus, the Hebrews are still at Sinai but now have the Tabernacle and the Law and are preparing for departure.

Numbers is bookended by two significant events, a census at the beginning while they’re at Sinai (Num 1:1) and another when they arrive at Moab near the border of the Promised Land (Num 36:13).

The English title of the book tells us to be mindful of those two censuses. There is something to be learned from them. However, the Hebrew title, "In the Wilderness," is more descriptive of the events detailed in the book.

Later in the book, we will see that the first time they arrive at the Southern border of the Promised Land, they disobey God and refuse to enter the land out of fear for the inhabitants. For their disobedience, they are condemned to wander in the wilderness until that generation passes. Among the other things we learn, Numbers recounts those wanderings and the struggles Israel endures while they wander. Along the way, we'll see that God incessantly asserts His holiness and His refusal to accept rebellion or unbelief. At the same time, we will consistently see His faithfulness and grace.

In Num 1 Israel gets her marching orders. Here's a partial timeline:

Num 1:1 shows us where the route originates (the Route from Mt Sinai, the purple line that starts near the bottom of the map). They are headed to where the purple line ends near the top at Kadesh Barnea:

In Num 1:2-3 we see that God commands a census of all the men "who are able to go to war!" Yes! They are going to the Promised Land. But first, they will have to prepare for battle!

Evidently, God's blessings do not always come easy! Some of those blessings, perhaps the best, will require Israel to strive in earning them. As we will see when they get to Kadesh Barnea, this is not what they expected and will become a significant obstacle in their receiving those blessings.

As God directs the census, notice that God knows the names of the chiefs He designates (Num 1:5-16). This tells us the census is not an act of gathering data and information for God who already knows everything. He is omniscient (Isa 46:9-10, Col 2:2-3). So, the census must be for the information and education of His people.

The census reveals that Israel has an army of 603,550 men (Num 1:46), not including the Levites. Keep this number in mind! For now, it shows God has fulfilled His promise to Abraham. His offspring have grown into a great multitude. This army is large enough and powerful enough to take the Promised Land. But, they have a long way to go to get there. As we have seen so frequently in the past, God has a specific way He wants them to do it.

God organizes the entire nation for travel and encampment (Num 2:1-30). When encamped, the Tabernacle is at the center. The priests camp in between the tribes and the Tabernacle (Num 2:17). This is symbolic of the priests being mediators between God and man. The priests are the figurative bridge between the people and their God. No one enters the Tabernacle without going through the priests so that there will be no wrath on the congregation (Num 1:53). This positioning of the Levites reveals a biblical principle. There must be an intermediary between God and His people to protect the people from the holiness and wrath of God.

As they depart from Sinai, Judah leads the way, Ephraim brings up the rear. As we will see, even the organization of the camp and the order of the march is prophetic.

Daily Bread for Feb 10, Lev 26-27

Today's readings are Lev 26-27.

Lev 26 goes into detail to demonstrate a simple biblical truth, obedience to God brings blessing while disobedience has consequences, even for God's people. This is a Scriptural thread that runs throughout the Bible. It points us toward the ultimate blessing for obedience, eternal life for those who obey His word and believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. Likewise, we see the ultimate consequence for disobedience, damnation for those who reject the gospel.

Furthermore, we see that even believers can be disobedient, but never unto condemnation. God's people are always His chosen, beloved people. Their status never changes; they are never un-chosen by their actions. Yet there are still real-world consequences for their rebellion against His commandments. They either enjoy the fullness of His blessing by their obedience or suffer His chastisement for their disobedience. God will use, either way, blessing or trial, to sanctify His people and make them holy.

Lev 27 is somewhat oblique and, at times, difficult to interpret. The overall rules of oaths, vows and consecrations dominate the chapter. In them, we see that God has an economy that is designed to make His kingdom function in the real world. That economy is based on the sacrifices and offerings of His people, each of them providing tangible benefits, in the work and function of the Temple and the priesthood, and spiritual benefits in their relationship with God.

Oaths are binding commitments, frequently made in the name of God. Vows are conditional obligations, contingent on specific criteria being met. Consecrations are dedications made to the service of God and the Temple.

Land, food and animals can be committed to the Temple, either by oath, in which case they are given as a sacrifice or by vow, in which case they can be used by the Temple as resources or as sources of revenue. Those animals and foods that are meant to be sacrificed must be perfect. The animals and food given under oath are to be consecrated, dedicated and cleansed in service to the Lord. They become holy and set apart.

Animals, people, food and land, though, can and should be given (vowed) to the Temple and may be used either in service to the Temple or can be redeemed for a fixed value. This way, the Temple can function either by using the funds paid for redemption or by using the resources donated in service to the Temple and priests.

God has a financial economy as well. A tithe is expected of all people. Sacrifices for all are to be made. Still, redemption for all is provided for, by God's fixed and immutable decree. God sets the standards. God specifies the procedures. The people are to observe and obey them. These are the lessons of Leviticus, God’s character and nature being put on display in and through His children and their daily lives. 

Daily Bread for Feb 9, Lev 24-25

Today's readings are Lev 24-25.

Lev 24:1-4 speaks of the lamps in the Tabernacle which are to remain lit continuously, a symbol that the light of the world will never go out. Likewise, the bread is a "perpetual due"(Lev 24:5-9) showing the "bread of life" is limitless and never-ending.

Punishment for blaspheming the name of the Lord is severe (Lev 24:10-14). God will not be mocked or taken casually. We also see that the laws of God apply to the Jew and those who are not Jewish (Lev 24:16). This includes everybody! In this universal law, we see that being apart from the people of God does not exempt one from His judgment. There is no one who can say, “He is not my God.”

When judgment comes, the punishment must fit the crime (Lev 24:17-22). Not only is God's perfect justice established but we see the just and fit punishment of death for sin. In these cases, the penalty for blasphemy and disobedience to God applies to everyone (Lev 24:22-23). The only way to escape doom, since all have sinned, is to obtain mercy and grace from the Judge.

Lev 25:1-7 repeats the divine cycle of six and one we saw in Genesis 1-2, six periods of work/productivity, one period of rest. Just as God worked, then rested, so must His people. This applies to their daily lives, their yearly cycles, and even their crops. It is all meant to emulate an eternal promise:  His children work now, then obtain rest later.

Everything belongs to God, even the land. He has given them the land to live on but, just as everything else in creation belongs to Him, so does the land. If God gives a gift, like He does with the land, the only One with the authority to reallocate that gift is God. Any other arrangement made between men is temporary. So, every seven years, the land reverts to whom He initially gave it (Lev 25:8-12). This not only reminds us of who owns the land but also reflects our time on earth as being temporary. Our permanent home is with Him, in heaven. We are nomads, sojourners here.

Even the crops that come from the land belong to God. He is to be honored and obeyed in how the crops are grown and used (Lev 25:13-22). The land is to be given a rest for a year, after six years of productivity, in that same godly cycle of six periods of work and one period of rest.

Provision is made for the redemption of the poor and the freeing of slaves (Lev 25:35-55). This is a reminder that the nation of Israel went to Egypt poor, was enslaved, then set free. But it's also an homage to the truth that God's people are meant to be free in Him. It points to a day when all who call upon Him as Lord and Savior will be made rich in the Spirit and set free from sin. 

Daily Bread for Feb 8, Lev 22-23

Today's readings are Lev 22-23.

Lev 22:1-3 shows us that Aaron’s offspring (descendants) are subject to the same guidelines for ritual cleanliness that he is. They are also subject to the same cautions against physical impurity as everyone else (Lev 22:4-10). This shows the Jews that membership in the priesthood does not automatically make a priest righteous or holy. The priests are human beings. They can become tainted just like everyone else. To be eligible to eat the holy food, they must be ceremonially cleansed. This ensures that the role of priest does not become overly venerated while God’s children await the ultimate High Priest.

Those who live in the household of the priest may eat of the holy offerings set aside for the priest (Lev 22:10-16). In this provision, we learn that the community supports not just the priest, but his immediate family, as the priest devotes his time and resources to ministering to and on behalf of the community. God is establishing a system that allows the priesthood to concentrate and maintain their focus on their duties in the tabernacle as they will later in the temple. This sets the template for how the modern church will function.

Lev 22:17-30 tells us that the sacrifices the priest offers up to atone for the sins of the people must be perfect and without blemish. Upon a close examination, no flaw is to be found. Only a perfect sacrifice will do the work God designs it to do.

Lev 23 lists the feasts. Here's a chart that gives the details. Each feast points back to a blessing God provided, reminds those in the presence of His grace and points forward to the promise of fulfillment. Note: some of the feasts shown on the chart (Hanukkah, Purim) were instituted long after the time Leviticus was written.

Daily Bread for Feb 7, Lev 19-21

Today's readings are Lev 19- 21.

Israel's instruction on how to live holy lives continues in Lev 19. Holiness extends to all their interpersonal relationships with numerous references to the Ten Commandments as a reminder that they are in a covenant relationship with God. God demands their holiness and will transform His people into a holy people. This holiness encompasses, but also exceeds, the rituals prescribed in previous chapters. It will flow through every facet of their lives. In other words, their faith and religion are a way of life, not just something they do when they assemble for worship.

Beginning in Lev 19:23, we see a series of cautions regarding pagan cultures and practices. The fruit of the Promised Land (Canaan) is forbidden until it is grown by God’s people, offered to God then allowed to multiply. This is a five-year process (Lev 19:23-25). It is also a metaphor for sanctifying the land.

Lev 19:26-28 warns against pagan worship practices, particularly those devoted to mourning or worship of the dead. Note, the phrasing in Lev 29:28 prohibits taking tattoos as an act of worship to pagan gods. This is not a condemnation of tattoos. Instead, it is a judgment on those who would mark their body as an act of worship to a false idol.

Lev 19:29-31 prohibits occult practices while the following verses deal with hospitality and integrity in business dealings.

Likewise, Lev 20 must be read in the context of the pagan religious practices that dominated the day. Through this lens, we see that God is serious about making Himself the primary influence and focus of His people and their lives. God's people are set apart and are not to indulge in any activity that may be construed as honoring other gods or worshiping oneself more than God. 

The priests are charged with being exemplars of holiness (Lev 21). They are the ones that set the standard the people are to emulate. God gives them even stricter guidelines than the others. They must remain pure and conduct themselves with the highest level of integrity in everything they do. Strict obedience to everything God tells them is a requirement of ministry. Still, the work of sanctification is accomplished in, and through God, it is not achieved by their behavior (Lev 20:9).

In time, it will become apparent that even the priests are human beings and subject to the same propensity to stumble as everyone else. As that human weakness continues to expose itself, God will continue to faithfully show them that while there may be real-world consequences for violating His commandments, His grace will flow in abundance. God is not trying to fashion perfect priests, He is trying to set before them His own character and nature.

All these commandments and guidelines are not meant to merely make God's people behave in a nicer manner than other people. They’re not intended to be a self-improvement program, making them better human beings. They are being put in place to demonstrate God's standards for His covenant. His standards must be met for them to have a relationship with Him.

As time goes on, it will become evident that no one can meet those requirements. Israel will, time and again, fail.  God will, just as frequently, forgive and redeem them. God is not expecting them to be perfect. God provides the guidelines right here in Leviticus, not to change His children's behavior, but to show them they need a savior! What He is looking for is a desire in them to please Him, a desire to enter deeper into their relationship with Him. If their hearts are turned toward Him, He will, in His grace, supply the perfection He demands. 

Daily Bread for Feb 6, Lev 16-18

Today's readings are Lev 16-18.

We see the Day of Atonement in Lev 16, a day when atonement is made for the sins of the entire nation. Two goats are used in the ritual, one to be sacrificed and the other to bear the sins of the people. The blood and remains of the sacrificed goat are removed from the camp, keeping the camp lean and presentable as a place for God to dwell. We learn that it is not enough for the sins to be covered by the sacrifice. They must be removed, distancing them from the people who committed them. This is the purpose of the second goat.

Lev 17 begins a section that runs through Lev 25. These chapters take holiness as a godly attribute and expand it into a set of guidelines that detail holiness as a way of life.

No meat is to be slaughtered outside the Tabernacle without bringing the blood to the Tabernacle (Lev 17:3-4). The sacrifices prescribed by God were “to make atonement for your souls” (Lev 17:11). For God's people, there was to be neither confusion nor overlap with sacrifices made to other gods. To the Hebrews, blood represented life and was sacred. In these sacrifices, God reveals that He uses the shedding of blood to redeem His people. For these reasons, the shedding of blood in any manner should be done with reverence. This is the opposite of the custom of many Mideastern cultures of the time which was to shed blood in sacrifice to their gods (Lev 17:7).  Those pagan rituals differed from the sacrifices God commanded in that the pagan sacrifices were made to curry favor with the gods. Sacrifices to the one true God were made to draw His people into an intimate relationship with Him.

Expanding on that theme, intimacy is declared sacred in Lev 18. It is to be shared with neither immediate nor extended family members. Those were pagan practices. Neither are God's people to be united with people who worship other gods. God is faithful to His children and expects His children to be faithful to Him as well.

All unnatural acts are concisely detailed and prohibited. Adultery is prohibited (Lev 18:20), it displays unfaithfulness in a people that are called to emulate God's faithfulness. Child sacrifice is prohibited (Lev 18:21), it violates the commandment not to murder. Sex is to be shared between one man and one woman only (Lev 18:22-23). God is not capricious concerning those with whom He unites. He is united with His chosen people, no others. God shares spiritual intimacy only with those who are His. He is faithful to them. They should be faithful to Him. God has given them sexual intimacy as a gift and blessing that will allow them to multiply and carry His message all over the world. That gift should not be perverted for sinful, self-centered pleasure.

These are timely chapters. The daily lives of the Jews are to reflect the holiness of God who lives among the Jews. That holiness sets them apart from the world. God gives unambiguous guidelines. They are timeless and are subject neither to changing cultural mores nor modern thinking. One of the lessons we repeatedly see in Scripture is that God will not be challenged on His guidelines for holiness. Like His faithfulness, His holiness is neither capricious nor culturally sensitive. 

Daily Bread for Feb 5, Lev 14-15

Today’s readings are Lev 14-15.

The details of the sacrificial ceremonies continue. It is becoming increasingly evident that God intends to cleanse all impurity from His people through an elaborate series of ritual cleanings and sacrifices. There are two types of sacrifices involved in these rituals - a guilt offering and a sin offering. Both offerings, we are told, are “holy” meaning the process of redemption is a sacred and godly one. Using leprosy as an example of how ruthless those in the camp must be in eradicating any evidence of impurity, even the dwellings of the people must be cleansed of its presence (Lev 14:33-53).

Some may speculate on what the Jews thought of all this, whether they assumed the rituals themselves were effective in atoning for sin. There is even debate on what they believed the nature of atonement to be. Was it temporary? Eternal? Covered? Removed? But, that sort of conjecture misses the point. The Jews, imperfect as they could be at times, were faithful in carrying out God’s instructions for these rituals and ceremonies. They may not have fully understood how they worked, but they trusted that God did. They were perfectly fine with some of God’s ways being a mystery. They knew that God may not always call His children to a full understanding of His ways but always calls them to obedience.

In Lev 15, we see the need to be cleansed of any personal impurity. At the end of the chapter, we learn the reason for the cleansing is so as not to defile the tabernacle, the dwelling place of God. It is to be pure and holy. The tabernacle will eventually be torn down and transported with the Hebrews on their journey. Even so, it is the tangible evidence that God dwells among His people. It sets them apart. Unlike other religions of the time, God moves with His people and lives among them. As such, they should enter the tabernacle with reverence, making sure, as much as it is humanly possible, to leave the filth of the world outside.

We should see the character and nature of God in these cleansing rituals. He is holy as are His rituals and ceremonies. If His people are to enter His presence and dwell together in a holy manner, they must be made holy. He lovingly and graciously provides a way for them to become holy, but the rituals are not permanent. They must repeatedly be performed. The path of sanctification is through obedience and sacrifice. He carefully instructs them on the rituals and ceremonies so that they can be restored to Him and reflect Him to the world.

Many centuries later, there will be a sacrifice to end all sacrifices. All the rituals and ceremonies will find their fulfillment in Christ. The need for repeated rituals will cease. Meanwhile, in these books of the Old Testament, God’s chosen people are called to obey His guidelines as a demonstration of their faith and trust in Him.

Daily Bread for Feb 4, Lev 11-13

Today's readings are Lev 11-13.

In these three chapters, we see the rules governing what is clean and what is unclean. They cover the entire spectrum of the essential experiences of life: birth, death, intimacy, health and food.

Much has been speculated concerning the nature of what permissible to be eaten in Lev 11. Clearly, scavengers and bottom feeders are cited as unclean. Still, trying to categorize the edible and the inedible misses the point. The guidelines show that God's people are set apart for His purposes. They will not live like the rest of the world. They will strive to lead holy lives under the direction of God, abiding in every area of their lives by His commandments, even down to their dietary options. This obedience is nourishment to their soul. As is typically the case, God’s guidelines produce spiritual benefits as well as physical. Most modern analysis has proven that the foods prohibited in Lev 11 are unhealthy while the foods permitted are healthy and wholesome. Many of the banned species are prone to having parasites and toxins in their systems while the prescribed diets promote good health and growth.

Furthermore, we see that God is concerned with every facet of His people's lives, not just the sacrifices they offer to Him. He is interested in their spiritual and physical well-being, providing ways for them to get clean and stay clean. If His people become unclean in any manner, He offers a remedy for their uncleanness through a ritual cleansing and sacrifice. He is also concerned with the spiritual purity and holiness of the camp. If someone in the camp becomes unclean, they are to remain apart from the group lest their unclean nature affects others. Purity is a priority with God because His people are to be a reflection of Him and He is absolutely pure.

The males are to bear the mark of their God from birth (Lev 12:3), further showing they are set apart and dedicated to Him. This is neither an option offered to them nor a decision they make. It is by God's decree and according to His will.

Much time is spent describing the procedures for leprosy. Leprosy is a destructive, consuming and highly contagious affliction, similar in many ways to sin. A leper must be examined by the priest. Everything touched by leprosy must be removed and burnt. The priest's responsibility is to ensure that all signs and evidence of the disease are removed before the individual can be restored to fellowship.

These passages make a powerful statement. They tell us that clean living preserves the individual but also protects those around him. Unclean living and disease not only impacts the individual but can infect those around him. The priests are charged with separating and cleansing those who are unclean. This responsibility applies to physical impurity, but it will be made clear that it applies to spiritual impurity as well.

Notice the attention to detail God pays throughout all these seemingly arcane rules and regulations. The Jews understand that God wants to permeate every detail, every area of their lives. He plans to make them holy, bring them into fellowship with Himself and bless them eternally, making examples and messengers of them. Their job is to be the evidence of God’s presence and power in the world.  

Daily Bread for Feb 3, Lev 8-10

Today's readings are Lev 8-10.

In Lev 8, we see the consecration and ordination of the priests. They are consecrated (cleansed) for purity. They are ordained (anointed, made holy) for service. Both rituals are necessary if they are to go before God.

Keep in mind, throughout these ceremonies, that the priest is the one who carries the names of God's children before the Lord. He bears the names near to his heart and upon his shoulders as we saw in the making of the priestly garments in Ex 28.  At the same time, he is a representative of God's children. Though he is neither perfect nor perfectly righteous, he symbolizes a bridge between God and man. He is the mediator, the advocate.

The ceremony is involved and is marked by ceremonial cleansing, a sin offering, and a burnt offering. Combined, they show the total commitment of Aaron and his sons to the work of the ministry. The priest must be willing to give all and be wholly dedicated to doing the Father’s will.

It takes seven days to purify them. Seven is the number of perfection. The idea is that one must be entirely pure before entering the presence of the Lord. Even with the elaborate ritual, they are only ceremonially pure and must go through the process each time they go before the Lord.

Lev 9 details the function of the priests - they are to effect reconciliation and restoration between God and His people. When their work (the sacrifice) is done, the Lord will appear, but it requires total commitment and purity, something the rituals can only symbolize. God honors their obedience and devotion to His word. But, as we will see, these rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices are shadows of what is to come.

So, as we learn about the rituals and sacrifices, about the necessary preparations, we also learn about the character and nature of a priest. All these observances and ceremonies symbolize the One who will be the perfectly pure and blameless sacrifice and high priest, Jesus Christ. God is providing a preview and in-depth teaching on how His plan of redemption will be carried out through the work of His only Son on the cross.

Lev 10 shows us the Aaronic priests are human and capable of disobeying God. As it is with everyone else, there is a price to pay for blatant disobedience. Two of Aaron's four sons, Nadab and Abihu, bring "unauthorized fire" to the altar. This is, most likely, incense offered to other gods. Whatever they have concocted, they have not adhered to the recipe for which God gave detailed, precise instructions. Moreover, He gave a warning not to tamper with His instructions.

The high price for disobeying God is dramatically displayed when the sons die for their sin. Their sin is not merely disobedience, it is bringing something unclean into the presence of God. Their tragic fate is a clear demonstration that no one can go before God in any other manner than how He commands. We learn a valuable lesson in Aaron's sons. When God prescribes one way to approach Him, we are not to alter that way to suit our own whims and desires.

Aaron, afraid of offending God in a similar manner, moves very cautiously. We can learn much from Aaron.

Daily Bread for Feb 2, Lev 5-7

Today's readings are Lev 5 - 7.

In Lev 5, we begin to see the details of the ceremonies for the sacrifices for various sins. For unintentional sins, there is a three-part ceremony:  a solemn confession of the sin is made (Lev 5:5), a substitute sacrifice is made (Lev 5:6a) and a ritual gesture of forgiveness is provided (Lev 5:6b). This will become the pattern for the entire sacrificial system: confession, substitute sacrifice, and atonement. This particular ceremony (Lev 5:14-16) covers sins that are not deliberate, sins that are committed without conscious thought, yet remain sins nonetheless. Payment is still required. "I didn't mean it!" or “I didn’t know!” does not absolve the sinner from responsibility for sinful behavior (Lev 5:17). A sacrifice must be made for those sins as well.

We also see that there are offerings for people of meager means (Lev 5:7). There is no need for elaborate, expensive sacrifices. What is of most importance is a sincere heart and a desire for redemption. It's not the value of the offering, it's the condition of the heart that matters to God. Poor people make a sacrifice that is equivalent in overall value to that of people who are better off. All pay the same relative price. Likewise, it becomes clear that all sin must be atoned for, regardless of wealth, social stature or position in the community. No one is exempt.

The last set of sacrifices in Lev 5:14-19 has to do with confessing a lack of integrity in business/personal dealings and possession of material things. This demonstrates that being unhappy with what God has given us and taking what is not rightfully ours though deceitful business practices is sinful and requires atonement.

In Lev 6:1-7 we see that sins against anyone God created are sins against God Himself. They require atonement as well. The method of atonement is precise and must be performed by a priest in the manner described (Lev 6:8-30). In this, we learn that God dictates and prescribes atonement setting the tag for the atonement His Son will bring.

Lev 7 shows us that the priest who is ritually cleansed makes the sacrifice holy. If an unclean person touches a clean object or piece of food, it becomes unclean. But in most cases, if a ceremonially clean priest touches something unclean, it becomes clean. The priest not only serves the people by carrying out the work in the Temple, but the people also serve him by providing part of the sacrifice for his personal use. In this manner, the people serve the priest as the priest serves the people. They work as one, as a body of believers.

It is becoming evident that all sin requires atonement. Everyone is hopeless since atonement is required even for unintentional sins. No one can atone for themselves.  All need a priest, an intermediary to make a sacrifice for them. The priest is worthy of honor because he represents the people of God. He is worthy of double honor because he also represents God to the people. Through him, atonement is made for sins. Through him, sins are atoned for. Ultimately, it is not the priest who is honored, but God.

While it may be imperfect at the time it is given, the entire sacrificial system reveals another characteristic of God and how He operates - He provides for His children. In this case, He does it by appointing an intermediary to stand between Him and His holiness and sinful man. This intermediary becomes the priesthood - Aaron and the Levites that serve in the Tabernacle. Their descendants, the Levitical and Aaronic priests will faithfully serve the Hebrew people and their God for generations, first in the Tabernacle and later in the Temples. Yet, they are a portent of what is to come.

God graciously provides these guidelines for the sacrifices while He leads His children into the Promised Land. The Law leads to the realization of the need for the sacrifices. Both work together to sanctify God’s people. God is always laying the template and pointing the way toward His ultimate expression of grace, love, mercy and redemption that will eventually manifest itself in His only Son.

Daily Bread for Feb 1, Lev 1-4

Today's readings are Lev 1-4.

Today, we start Leviticus, twenty-seven chapters of instructions detailing sacrifice, worship and holy living as given by God directly to Moses. The book begins with these words, “The Lord called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting (Lev 1:1).” The closing words in the last chapter are, “These are the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses for the people of Israel on Mt. Sinai (Lev 27:34).”

As we begin, God's people are still at the foot of Sinai but are preparing for their journey. They now have the tabernacle, which is a symbol of God's ongoing presence among them. It is built to be portable. Before they leave, God is going to tell them how to use it properly, how to live life in His presence. In other words, His presence should impact how they live, making their lifestyle a reflection of Him.

Leviticus will provide details about the Law. In the Old Testament, the Law can be divided into three areas. There is the moral law, the ceremonial law, and the civil law. The moral law can be summarized in the ten commandments. The ceremonial and civil laws are extensions and applications of the moral law. While many of the laws we will read are specific to the Jews and their time in the wilderness and much of the ceremonial law is fulfilled in Christ, it would be a mistake to dismiss any of them as antiquated or abrogated. All of them reveal something about the character and nature of God and, in turn, His only Son, Jesus Christ. All of them are profitable for teaching (2 Tim 3:16). They were beneficial to the Jews back then, as the ongoing but not yet complete self-revelation of God. They are profitable to us now, as is the rest of the Old Testament (1 Cor 10:11).

While the details of these laws and ceremonies no longer apply literally, the principles behind them remain valid and valuable for our knowledge of Christ who never came to nullify the law but to fulfill it (Mt 5:17). Indeed, when Christ makes His legendary summary statement regarding the law in Mt 22:37-40, He is not saying anything new; He is quoting Dt 6:5 and Lev 19:18.

So, as we read Leviticus, let’s keep in mind that the Jews are being blessed by some significant and specific guidelines that will help them navigate the times they live in. Meanwhile, we are learning foundational principles about the character and nature of our God, principles that will eventually reveal the Messiah. But, they are also principles that apply to who Christ is and how we relate to Him today. For a lot of folks, the tendency to disregard what's being taught in books like Leviticus is a disregard for what God says about Himself - and His Son.

The sacrificial offerings are instituted. There are sacrifices for sin, for thanks, for communion (peace) and more. While all other religions sacrifice to appease their gods or to summon them, God's people sacrifice in thanks for His grace and His presence already among them.

The animal sacrifices are to be examined to ensure they are without blemish and perfect, as only a perfect sacrifice is suitable for God (Lev 1). Food and grain are to be offered but without leaven (Lev 2:4-5). Leaven is sometimes used in Scripture as a symbol denoting sin. Whenever we see it, whether it represents sin or not, it is always an illustration of how a little can affect a lot. In a negative sense, this can show us that one sin can contaminate our entire life. Positively, it may refer to events like the humble beginnings of the gospel and the first-century church.

The sacrifices are rich in symbolism. Fire, a metaphor for purification and sanctification, is involved with many of them. Grains and breads are to be covered with oil, a symbol of holy anointing and conferring of blessing. Salt is to season all foods, a symbol of preservation. Blood (life) and fat (abundance) are not to be eaten, they are the Lord's. In what they represent, we see that life and plenty cannot be taken by God's people. They are God's to do with as He pleases (Rom 9:15).

Certain portions of the sacrifice are to be eaten (consumed), reminding them that God's people will have a unique and intimate relationship with the sacrifice.

Blood dominates everything, sprinkled on the altars, utensils, the priests' vestments - everywhere. There is no sacrifice, no worship, no atonement, no peace without the shedding of blood.  All sins must be atoned for, intentional and unintentional. No one is righteous, not one.

Here's a handy chart detailing the offerings. Click on it to expand:

Daily Bread for Jan 31, Ex 39-40

Today’s readings are Ex 39-40.

Craftsmen with God-given gifts complete the priestly garb. The outfit is stunningly beautiful and intricate (Ex 39:1-31). The ephod, or breastplate, is a part of the garment that is worn like a vest. It represents the tribes. Because of the skill and precision with which it is made and because of the cleansing rituals the high priest undergoes, the ephod also symbolizes the tribes borne into the presence of God on the ceremonial righteousness and purity of the priest. 

The garments are topped by a turban that has a golden band that is engraved with "Holy to the Lord". This turban hovered over all the priest did and served as a reminder that the priest was covered in holiness and designated as God's holy one. 

The undergarments and robes were beautiful and as ornate as the rest of the garb. They too are made with gifts of great skill given by God to the craftsmen assigned to make them. The materials to make everything were supplied by God as His people left Egypt. Even the capability to fashion the holy garments comes from God as gifts of grace. 

The ephod is worn over the heart of the high priest, indicating that the priest has God's people close to his heart. The ephod is inlaid with 12 precious stones, each one carved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. The priest bears the names of all of God's people with him when he goes before the Lord. The people cannot go themselves; they are not consecrated. In a stunning portrayal of things to come, we see that the people are judged not because of who they are, but by the righteousness of their high priest and who he is.

Inside the breastplate are two unique stones, the Urim (light) and Thummim (truth). They are used in determining God's decisions in matters taken before Him. Their use is an act of trust that God's decisions are made in light and truth. The breast piece is held in place by two straps with onyx stones embedded in them. The stones bear the names of the twelve Sons of Israel. The priests are the ones charged with upholding the people of God and bringing them before the Lord. 

Hanging from the bottom of the robes are alternating pomegranates and golden bells. The bells proclaim the arrival of the priest as he enters the Holy of Holies. The bells swing to and fro, representing the extremes of death and immortality, of good and evil. The pomegranates represent the new life the people have after being delivered from slavery and are a symbol of beauty.

From this passage, the Jews learn that the only way to approach God is in the perfect righteousness of the priest who has been ceremonially clean and is wearing garments made exactly to God's specifications.  Once again, we see that God dictates how He can be approached and who can approach Him. His guidelines are strict and not subject to interpretation.

The Tabernacle is erected (Ex 40), the priestly vestments are completed, the ceremonies are followed and the glory of the Lord fills the tent. All the good works have been designed by God. The gifts to do the works have been granted by God Now the works are inhabited by God - all of it a witness to His presence among His people. Apart from Him, they can do nothing.

God’s dwelling has been built and His presence among them is insured. But the people are not yet clean or holy enough to come into His direct presence, not even Moses.

Only one man can do that and only after being made clean and wearing the garments God has designed. When that man stands before God, he bears the names of all of God's people.

As Exodus ends, we see that God has created everything, including a man. The man has separated himself from God by sinning. God has exhibited grace in preserving the man's descendants. He has chosen one man, Abraham, to carry God's message of redemption. He has multiplied that man's descendants and assigned the message to them, forming a covenant with them, taken them to Egypt, allowed them to fall into slavery and delivered them from that slavery, all by His grace - even though they seem to grumble, groan and fail all along the way. Even so, God has equipped them with His guidelines for living as His messengers. He has appointed and clothed a representative to stand in their place and He has chosen to live among them as evidence of His presence and power.

He has promised them a new home and has provided a way (the pillar of smoke and fire) for them to get there.

We see that those precious things lost in the garden are being restored, little by little. The garden was where God met with His children. They were ejected for disobedience and the relationship was fractured. But God has been bringing them back into relationship with Him. Now He dwells among them once again and will meet with them in the new symbolic representation of the garden, the tabernacle. 

Daily Bread for Jan 30, Ex 36-38

Today's readings are Ex 36-38.

With a massive effort of unity and cooperation involving everyone in the camp, the work on the tabernacle is completed, and the components are brought to Moses. It is just as God instructed. Moses gives a blessing.

There are many parallels with Gen 1; the work is good, God is pleased, blessings ensue. Many of the same phrases are used in both passages. These chapters are bookended with the beginning of Genesis to show us that a significant era has passed since creation. At one end, God has created the universe, man has fallen and been ejected from His presence. At the other, God has called a peculiar people through whom He will redeem fallen man. He has delivered them from bondage then set them apart. His Law has been given. He is once again among them, and His people are about to head for their new home.

The Tabernacle is spectacular, 150 feet wide, 300 feet long, about 15 feet high, built at the cost of approximately $320,000,000 in today's dollars. All of this has been done through a people that entered Egypt starving, with few belongings not much hope. God has protected them, delivered them, provided for them and made good on all His promises to them in spite of their consistent lack of obedience and faithfulness. This should give each of us hope. It should show us His promises are based on His faithfulness to His word and not ours! This should build in us holy anticipation for what is to come. We should see in these Hebrew people that He is able to take the meagerness of our lives and build a suitable home for Himself in us! What amazing grace! What an awesome God!

There's another lesson here as well. This is a good time for the Hebrews. They experience times when they come pretty close to getting things right. Likewise, they frequently stumble and struggle in their relationship with God. At this point in their history, they are contrite and thankful before God, working together toward a common goal, using their gifts, devoted to God's work and giving sacrificially. As a result, something magnificent arises among them - the dwelling and presence of God. The church today could learn much from watching the tabernacle and the priesthood grow and mature among the Jewish people.

This is only the first phase of God's plan of redemption. There is much further to go and many lessons to be learned.

Daily Bread for Jan 29, Ex 33-35

Today's readings are Ex 33-35.

In Ex 33, it's time for Israel to leave Sinai. While it has been made clear all along that they would be moving on, it is essential for believers to understand the symbolism in their departure - the Promised Land is their sovereignly appointed destination, not the Mountain of the Law. The Law is neither their point of reference as God’s people nor their identity. The Law is a gift that helps them along the way. They are defined by their relationship with God and their home in Him.

God makes a startling statement in Ex 33:2-3. He will no longer travel among them because they are a stiff-necked, unfaithful people. The consequence of sin for those who belong to Him is a distant relationship with God! Is God going to abandon them? No! He will still protect them by sending an angel ahead of them. What the people will lose is their proximity to God. He will not be close to them.

When the people realize the magnitude of the sin they committed at Sinai (Ex 32) and the consequence of distancing themselves from God, they repent and mourn over their sinful behavior (Ex 33:4-6). 

The first thing we learn is that repentance is the appropriate reaction to all sin which separates us from God. As they repent with contrite hearts, God seems to relent (Ex 33:5-6).

The tent of meeting puts this loss of proximity on display (Ex 33:7-11). The designated place of meeting with God is now outside the camp although His continued presence is demonstrated by the pillar of cloud (Ex 33:9-10). But, Moses is the only one who can come close to God (Ex 33:11). He has become the mediator between the people and their Father in heaven.

Moses intervenes on behalf of the people. God agrees to remain with them (Ex 33:12-22). This is the second lesson we learn from God's startling statement in Ex 33:2-3. Only His chosen mediator can resolve the tension and separation between sinful people and God. The healing of the relationship is founded solely upon the work of the mediator, in this case, Moses, and upon God's mercy and compassion, not on the faithfulness nor the merit of the people. 

In Moses, we see a righteous mediator, an advocate for God's people. Even though Moses is not perfectly so, the template is set for a truly holy and righteous mediator who will restore God's fellowship back to His people. 

God rewrites the commandments on new tablets (Ex 34:1-9), the old ones having been smashed by Moses. Even in these new tablets, we see a lesson. The tablets are not eternal. They can be destroyed, but God will preserve His word. 

Because of Moses's intercession, the covenant is renewed (Ex 34:10-27), this time in more detail. God has purged the sin from His chosen ones, albeit temporarily for the moment and the relationship with them is restored by His grace.

Only after the restoration of their relationship to God occurs is work started on the tabernacle - another lesson. The tabernacle represents God’s presence among His people. He will dwell there permanently through the work of a mediator/advocate and by the work of His grace.

Meanwhile, we witness Moses as he begins to understand God’s glory (Ex 34:29-35). It’s been growing in Moses all along, a gradual realization that God does what He does for His glory, not for Moses’ benefit. Moses is certainly a benefactor of God’s mercy and grace. The benefit comes from God revealing Himself and His glory through the work He does in Moses, not because of who Moses is, but because of who God is.

In Ex 35, construction of the Tabernacle begins. Here we see the actual reason for the gold carried out of Egypt. Previously, the gold was used for personal adornment and the building of the calf, both representations of man worshiping himself rather than God. Now, the humbled and chastised people stop wearing the gold for ornamentation and begin donating it to the building of the Tabernacle (Ex 35:20-27). The gifts the people received were meant to honor God, not themselves!