Humble and Faithful

“If a woman cannot afford to bring a lamb, she must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons. One will be for the burnt offering and the other for the purification offering. The priest will sacrifice them to purify her, and she will be ceremonially clean.” Leviticus 12:8 NLT

A woman was required to bring a sacrifice to the Lord for purification from the bleeding associated with childbirth. The normal offering was "a year-old lamb for a whole burnt offering and a young pigeon or turtledove for a purification offering" (Leviticus 12:6). But in the case of poorer families who could not afford a lamb they were allowed to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons instead.

The Gospel of Luke portrays the devotedness of Jesus' parents, Joseph and Mary, to the law of the Lord. One glimpse into their devout lives concerns their obedience to the above law of purification. "Then it was time for the purification offering as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord....So they offered a sacrifice according to what was required in the law of the Lord--'either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons'" (Luke 2:22, 24). In this testimony we see not only the faithful devotion of Joseph and Mary but also their poverty. Mary gave birth to the Lamb of God but she could not afford a lamb for the purification offering.

What we possess in our bank accounts matters little to God. What we possess in our hearts means everything to Him. God finds pleasure in those who are humble and faithful.

Father, help me to value the heart above possessions as You do and to live a humble and faithful life before You today and always.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Called to be Holy

"For I, the Lord, am the one who brought you up from the land of Egypt, that I might be your God. Therefore, you must be holy because I am holy." Leviticus 11:45 NLT

The Israelites call to be holy was based on two things. First was their redemption. God had rescued them from slavery in Egypt to be His people. Their response to God's saving grace was to be obedience to His commands. Obedience results in holiness. Second was God's character. God is holy and those who desire to live in relationship with Him must be holy. God would not accommodate himself to sin to relate to His people but rather He enabled His people to rise to holiness to relate to Him. Remember Leviticus in all of its tedious detail served as a practical guide to living holy and as a constant reminder of the need for holiness in the lives of God's ancient people.

Peter related the call to holiness found in Leviticus to the lives of New Testament Christians when He wrote, "But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God--who chose you to be his children--is holy. For he himself has said, 'You must be holy because I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:15-16 NLT). Our call to holiness is likewise based on our redemption and God's character. God has rescued us from slavery to sin and our response is to live in loving obedience to our Savior. God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) remains Holy. He does not lower Himself to accommodate our sin. The Bible guides us in Holiness, the blood of Christ cleanses us for holiness, and the Holy Spirit empowers us for holiness so that we can live in relationship with the Holy God who loves us more than we can imagine.

Father, You are holy and as You are holy I desire to be holy so that I may glorify You and live in close relationship with you. Thank you for all that you have done and are doing to raise me from sin to holiness. May your grace have its intended effect of holiness in my life today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Watch Your Influence

"Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu put coals of fire in their incense burners and sprinkled incense over them. In this way, they disobeyed the Lord by burning before him the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded. So fire blazed forth from the Lord’s presence and burned them up, and they died there before the Lord." Leviticus 10:1-2 NLT

At first reading the judgment on Nadab and Abihu seems harsh but they were spiritual leaders for the people. It was early in the spiritual life of Israel and God wanted to impress on His people the importance of careful obedience. God holds those who lead to a high standard of accountability. The leaders attitude toward God will be reflected in the lives of the people. If the leader treats God as holy by carefully obeying His commands then the people will do the same. If the leader is careless about obeying God's commands then those who follow will do the same.

Who is looking at your life as an example of what it means to follow Christ? We all have influence, that is leadership, over someone. It may be a child, a co-worker, a classmate, a neighbor, or someone else we regularly come in contact with who looks at us as an example of the Christian faith. Your attitude toward God as revealed in careful or careless obedience will influence their attitude toward God. God takes our spiritual influence seriously and so should we.

Father, keep me from sinning against you and dishonoring you in the eyes of those over whom I have spiritual influence. Help me to regard you as holy through careful obedience today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Forgiveness

The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out. Leviticus 6:13 (NIV)

This instruction to the priests is mentioned three times in the space of five verses (6:9-13). Obviously, this was something that was important to God, but why?

Under the old covenant, sacrifices burned on the altar were the means by which sins were forgiven. A flame that burned continuously symbolized that God was always ready to forgive sin. All a person had to do was offer the proper sacrifice and their sin was forgiven.

The proper sacrifice was offered up on our behalf when Jesus died on the cross. When we repent, God is still ready to forgive sin - any time, any place. As far as God is concerned, the altar fire continues to burn brightly.

Father, thank you for providing this wonderful image of your forgiveness. You are such a great God!

JIM

Atonement for Sin

"If any of the citizens of Israel do something forbidden by the LORD, they will be guilty even if they sinned unintentionally. When they become aware of their sin, they must bring as their offering a female goat with no physical defects. It will be offered for their sins. ...In this way, the priest will make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven."
Leviticus 4:27-28, 31b NLT

Whether a sin is committed intentionally or not it is still an offense to the Lord and a fellowship breaker. Atonement must be made for the sin in order to restore fellowship with God. For the ancient Israelite atonement was made through presenting a goat or lamb (v.32) as a sin offering. The presentation of the goat was a visual reminder of the cost of sin and forgiveness. Blood atonement was required. Sin cost a life.

Because Jesus has once for all paid the price of our sin we do not bring an offering but only make confession. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 NIV). How thankful we are that we do not have to present a goat or lamb. But lacking the visual reminder we must not forget the price of sin and forgiveness. As we confess we need to remember that the cleansing which comes to us so freely comes at the cost of Jesus' bloodshed. Sin still cost a life.

Father, please make me aware of any sin, intentional or unintentional, in my life which has offended you and broken my fellowship with you. I ask you to forgive and cleanse me of all sin through the atonement you have provided through the blood of Jesus, the once for all sacrifice. Make me always mindful of the cost of my sin and therefore reluctant to continue in sin.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Approaching God

"The LORD called to Moses from the Tabernacle and said to him, 'Give the following instructions to the Israelites: Whenever you present offerings to the Lord...'"
Leviticus 1:1-2a NLT

We have come to the place where many well-intentioned Bible readers have crashed and burned--Leviticus. Our perseverance through Leviticus will be helped by understanding the purpose of this book. Leviticus is an instruction manual for ancient Israelite worship. It's primary concern is to instruct unholy people in how to approach a holy God. Unholy people approach Holy God with offerings and through careful observance of God's laws.

For us as New Testament Christians the offerings prescribed in this book are no longer necessary because Christ became the final offering to bridge the gap between unholy people and Holy God. However, Leviticus reminds us of the care to be taken in approaching God and of the gratitude we should have in our hearts for the sacrifice God has provided to enable our approach to Him. As you approach God today remember His holiness and give thanks for His sacrifice. Approach Him with confidence through Christ and with care because of His holiness.

Father, You are holy, holy, holy and I am more unholy than I like to admit. I come before You with confidence through Christ and with thankfulness for the provision You have made for my sin. I am grateful to be a New Testament Christian but pray I will never become careless about approaching You.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

God Present and Leading

"Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle and the glorious presence of the LORD filled it....Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle and moved, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. But if the cloud stayed, they would stay until it moved again."
Exodus 40:34, 36-37 NLT

The cloud of God's glory was the continual reminder of His presence and leadership among the Israelites. What a privilege to have God present! How amazing to see Him move out clearly and to be able to follow! We might say, "If only seeing and following God were as clear and simple today, I would be a much better disciple." But what if the ancient Israelites could see our Bible full of God's clear instruction and what if they knew about the Holy Spirit living in our life to guide us? They might say, "If only we had it written so clearly and we had God dwelling in us, then we could have been much better followers."

In every generation God has manifested His presence and given clear leadership to His people. Those who tune into His presence and watch for His leadership will be able to follow in His will. God is not playing hide and seek with us. He wants us to know and do His will even more than we want it. If we set our hearts to seek and follow Him, we can trust that He will make His presence and leadership clear in our life.

Father, I want to walk with and follow You. As you manifest Your glorious presence and gave clear leadership to the Israelites in the wilderness so show Yourself and Your will in my life today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Gifted for Service

"'The Lord has gifted Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled craftsmen with wisdom and ability to perform any task involved in building the sanctuary. Let them construct and furnish the Tabernacle, just as the Lord has commanded.' So Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and all the others who were specially gifted by the Lord and were eager to get to work." Exodus 36:1-2 NLT

The skilled craftsmanship of Bezalel and Oholiab was a gift from the Lord. As surely as God had gifted Moses to lead and Aaron to speak God had gifted these men and others like them to construct the sanctuary. Every ability is a gift from God and can be used in God's service to glorify Him. Not only were these men gifted in craftsmanship but they were "eager to get to work." As important as the gift is the willingness and eagerness to use it in God's service. The same Spirit who enables the service inspires the willingness in the hearts of those who are yielded to Him. What abilities do you have? Ask God how He would use them in His service for His glory and then yield yourself to Him.

Father, every ability I have is a gift from you. I am who I am, I have what I have, and I can do what I can do because of Your gracious gift. Guide me to use my abilities in Your service for Your glory.

I'm praying for you.

Pastor Mark

The Grace of Generosity

"Then Moses said to the whole community of Israel, 'This is what the Lord has commanded:Take a sacred offering for the Lord. Let those with generous hearts present the following gifts to the Lord:gold, silver, and bronze...'" Exodus 35:4-5 NLT

"So the whole community of Israel left Moses and returned to their tents. All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle, for the performance of its rituals, and for the sacred garments." Exodus 35:20-21 NLT

What a beautiful picture of giving! This is the record of the first building fund-raising program among God's people. In addition to their regular tithes the people were invited to give the resources needed to build the tabernacle and to establish its ministry. Those with "generous hearts" were to give from the things with which God had blessed them. Those "whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved" by the Spirit and generosity of God gave gladly. When the people had called on God to deliver them, He had answered. When God called on the people to build, they answered.

Our giving reveals the health and depth of our relationship with God. When we called on Him, He gave us salvation through His Son. When He calls on us, we give Him our lives and our treasures in response to His grace. If we are truly conscious of how great God's grace toward us has been then we will be generous toward Him and His work. From time to time we need to take an inventory of our giving and spending to see what it reveals about our relationship with God and the work of His grace in our life.

Father, You have been more than generous with me. Salvation through Your Son was just the beginning of the flow of Your abundant grace in my life. As You call me to give my life and my treasure, I want my heart to respond in true gratitude and generosity toward you. Grow me in this grace.

I'm praying for you.

Pastor Mark

Jealous God

"You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you." Exodus 34:14 NLT

God jealous? Isn't jealousy a sin? Not when it is rightly directed. God's love for us is a jealous love that would have us live in full devotion to Him. A husband who is not bothered by his wife's flirting with other men does not love her as he ought. God loves us His people so deeply that He will not share their affections with any rival.

God's jealousy is holy and not sinful because He rightly deserves our full affection. God desires that we love Him first and foremost with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. And God's jealousy is holy and not sinful because He desires only what is best for us and despises what would harm us. Full devotion to Him is best for us. Bowing before other god's is harmful. It is when we live in full devotion to God that we live the abundant life (see John 10:10).

Are we in danger of worshiping other gods? Anything we allow to move into God's place and to consume our time and attention so that we have less or none to give Him is a god. If you don't have time to spend with God daily, time to worship Him regularly, time to serve Him faithfully, or ability to give to Him generously then identify the thing that you do have time and ability to do instead and you will have found the false god in your life. Jealously guard God's place in your affections and attention.

Father, You are worthy to have the preeminent place in my affections and attention. I am amazed that You are jealous about Your relationship with me. Show me any intruder upon this relationship that I too may be jealous for my relationship with You.

I'm praying for you.

Pastor Mark

Answering the Call

After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed Him.
Luke 5:27-28

As I studied this passage and read Exodus, I felt convicted when I read of the way the disciples responded when Christ called them in Luke. So I am jumping ship and talking about Luke 5.

I always find it amazing when Jesus called the disciples they immediately responded and dropped everything they had and went. In Luke 9, Jesus encounters three men that said they will follow Christ whereever he will go "but first" let me take care of this. Alot of times I feel like I am in this category. Christ calls me to follow but I want to respond with "But First". Do you ever feel like that? God may be calling you to take the gospel across the street to your neighbor and you respond, "But first, let me become more equipped." I think when we tend to have this attitude we demonstrate a lack of faith and trust. When God calls, whether we feel equipped or not we need to respond and step out in faith.

How are you going to respond when God calls you to step out and follow Him?

Father, I admit that there are times in my life when I trust myself more than You. God, I confess that I have not always answered when You call. Help me to learn to trust You and to follow You wherever or however that may be.

Holy to the Lord

“Next make a medallion of pure gold, and engrave it like a seal with these words: Holy to the Lord. Attach the medallion with a blue cord to the front of Aaron’s turban, where it must remain." Exodus 28:36-37 NLT

As the priest who came into the presence of God on behalf of the people, Aaron was to wear on his turban the reminder that he was set apart to be "holy to the LORD." Holiness is required in the life of one who approaches a holy God. All the requirements for the tabernacle and priesthood given in Exodus were given to remind the Israelites of what an awesome thing it is to approach God. God is not to be approached casually or flippantly.

The apostle Peter reminds us that there is now in this New Testament era a new tabernacle and a new priesthood. "And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God" (1 Peter 2:5 NLT). We are now priests. We have both the privilege and responsibility to approach and serve God. He is still holy and our approach to Him requires us to seek holiness in our own lives. The good news is that God not only requires holiness but He provides holiness through the blood of Christ as we confess our sins to Him. As the Old Testament priest approached God with the sacrifice of a lamb we approach God through the sacrifice of THE LAMB, Jesus Christ.

Father, apart from Your grace I could never be holy. I thank you that you provide the holiness which you require. May I never be flippant about my sin but always coming to You with humble dependence on the sacrifice of your Lamb, my Savior, Jesus Christ. Forgive me now for any sin in my life and enable me to walk before You in holiness today.

I'm praying for you.

Pastor Mark

Keep the Light Shining

“Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. The lamp-stand will stand in the Tabernacle, in front of the inner curtain that shields the Ark of the Covenant. Aaron and his sons must keep the lamps burning in the Lord’s presence all night. This is a permanent law for the people of Israel, and it must be observed from generation to generation." Exodus 27:20-21 NLT

The lamp-stand in front of the veil which hung between the holy of holies and the holy place was to burn continually--not only during the day when the priest were present in the temple but through the night as well. The physical furnishings of the tabernacle teach spiritual truths about God. The light represents the presence and glory of God. The pure oil represents the Holy Spirit. The light of God is kept shining in the earth through the working of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world... No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father" (Matthew 5:14-16 NLT). God's glory now shines in the darkness through the lives of His people who are filled with the Holy Spirit.

The lamps could not burn without the oil which required the frequent attention of the priest to keep the wicks trimmed and the oil reservoirs full. We must pay attention to our walk with Christ to ensure that we are clean vessels yielded to the Holy Spirit so that the light of God may shine continually through us in the sin-darkened world.

Father, I want to be a vessel through which Your light shines in the darkness. I know that it is not me but the Holy Spirit in me that keeps the light shining. Show me how to keep my life a fit vessel through which the Holy Spirit can work to shine Your light in my world.

I'm praying for you.

Pastor Mark

When Close isn't Enough

"You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you." Exodus 25:9 NLT

God repeatedly reminded Moses to lead the Israelites to build the Tabernacle exactly as He showed them (see also Ex. 25:40; 26:30). The Tabernacle represented God's presence to the Israelites. The way that it was set up with outer court, sacrificial altar, holy place, and most holy place reminded them of God's holiness and how they were to approach Him. They must not deviate from God's plan or else they would fail to honor and experience the presence of God in their camp.

People sometimes say "Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades." This certainly applies with obedience to God's Word. God does not invite us to take the general idea of His commands and then improvise to suit our desires. He calls us to obey Him absolutely without deviation. His commands guide us to live in fellowship with Him and if we deviate from them we will fail to truly know His presence and the fulfillment of His purpose in our life.

Is there any command of God where you have settled for close rather than absolute obedience? Deal with that disobedience before God until you come to the place of absolute surrender and obedience.

Father, reveal to me any area in my life where I have settled for less than full obedience to Your command. Grant me the spiritual strength through Your Spirit to bring all my life into full obedience to You.

I'm praying for you.

Pastor Mark

CONSECRATED

"You shall be consecrated to me." Exodus 22:31a (ESV)

On the surface, Exodus 22 is just a list of (some of the) rules given by God to the Israelites, but hidden in verse 31 is this wonderful line which explains why God gave His people these rules. God desired to mold their character to be a people devoted to Him: basically, if He was going to be their God, then He expected the people to be completely loyal to Him.

That was God's desire then and it's still His desire now. Nothing has changed (with God).

A number of months ago, my son introduced me to a song called "You Won't Relent" (sung by Misty Edwards). The opening phrase is sung to the Lord: You won't relent until You have it all. My heart is Yours. As I reflected on Exodus 22:31, "You Won't Relent" began to play in my head.

God is totally committed to me being totally committed to Him. He'll do (you could say has done) everything it takes to make me His fully devoted follower. This is good news, because I'll never make it without God's help.

Father, thank you for being relentless in bringing me into a right relationship with You. I want to be fully consecrated to You, set apart as Yours. Guide me to make progress today in becoming more devoted to You.

Jim Barker

On Eagle's Wings

"You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me." Exodus 19:4-5 NLT

The only reason Israel was able to come out of slavery in Egypt to a life of freedom was because God delivered them. God's purpose in delivering them was not only to free them from slavery but to bring them into relationship with Himself. The Lord reminded them, "I carried you on eagle's wings and brought you to myself." What a beautiful expression of God's saving work!

The only reason you or I are able to come out of slavery in sin to a life of freedom in Christ is because God has delivered us. His purpose in delivering us was not merely to save us from sin and its penalty but to bring us into a relationship with Himself as our heavenly Father. He could just as well say to us, "I carried you on eagle's wings and brought you to myself" or our Lord Jesus might say to us, "I carried you on my back and brought you to the Father." How great is our salvation! How great is the relationship we know have with God!

Father, I rejoice in Your great salvation and thank you for including me in it. I'm grateful for deliverance from sin but pray that I will not stop short of the rich relationship with You for which I have been saved. "Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord."

I'm praying for you.

Pastor Mark

Fearing God

"Don't be afraid," Moses answered them, "for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!" Exodus 20:20 NLT

God revealed His awesome holiness to Israel on Mount Sinai. He did this so that they would know His glory and live in a healthy fear of Him. So great a God is not to be trifled with nor are His commands to be taken lightly.

One motive for obedience is love. If we love God we desire to please Him and so we obey Him. But another equally Scriptural motive for obedience is fear. God hates and judges sin. Sin brings Him great displeasure. Fearing God means watching our step so that we do not arouse His anger or dishonor His name by our sin. The fear of God is not just an Old Testament concept that accompanies the law. The fear of God is also found on the pages of the New Testament and it accompanies grace. "And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as 'foreigners in the land' (i.e. your days on earth)" (1 Peter 1:17 NLT). Let us both love and fear the Lord that we may please and not dishonor Him.

Father, open my eyes to more clearly see Your awesome holiness and to understand Your attitude toward sin. Help me to cultivate in my life a holy, healthy fear of You that motivates me to obey and honor You in all things.

I"m praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Winning through Prayer

"As long as Moses held up the staff with his hands, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites gained the upper hand." Exodus 17:11 NLT

Moses' staff (the staff of God used to part the sea) raised toward heaven was symbolic of prayer and dependence on God. As the Israelites had needed God's power to open the sea and deliver them from the Egyptians so now they needed God's power to give them victory over the Amalekites. As Moses remained strong in prayer the Israelites prevailed. When Moses' wearied and became slack in prayer the tide turned against them. Aaron and Hur came alongside Moses to help him hold his arms up in prayer and "As a result, Joshua and his troops were able to crush the Army of Amalek" (Exodus 13:13 NLT).

We must learn that spiritual victories are won by spiritual power. We defeat our enemies and live victoriously when we learn to persevere in prayerful dependence on God. "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places....Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere" (Ephesians 6:12, 18 NLT). Keep on praying.

Father, I am so foolish to struggle in my own strength against enemies that You alone can defeat. I long to become more prayerfully dependent on You that I might walk in the victory that You desire. Remind me to pray when the enemy attacks and give me strength to persevere in prayer until the victory is won.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark