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Bible Pathways - Feb. 4, 2008

 

February 4

Leviticus 9

Highlights In Today's Reading:

What happens to two of Aaron's sons because of strange fire? And what is the difference between holy and unholy and unclean and clean (10:10-11)? Discover the difference between "holy" fire and "hell" fire. It is of utmost importance that we carefully read today's Scriptures. You will discover why God demands that we be holy.

Nadab and Abihu were sons of Aaron, the high priest. They were appointed to serve as priests, assisting him in conducting sacrifices and worship service. Some time after being consecrated as priests, they took fire for altar sacrifice as if it did not make much difference where it came from or how it was administered. They failed to recognize the importance of obedience to the authority of God's Word. Nadab and Abihu . . . offered strange fire before the Lord. . . . And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord (10:1-2).

What a fearful report of Nadab and Abihu who were struck dead while "serving the Lord." God had chosen Aaron to be the first high priest and the anointing oil was poured upon his head as a sign of consecration. That ye may put (a) difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses (10:10-11).

We are commanded: 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); Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy (I Peter 1:14-16).

God has also said that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love (Ephesians 1:4).

How often zeal for God and activities are mixed by showing a proud spirit and seeking personal pleasure. Christians are often willing to do the will of God when it happens to coincide with their desires to get attention. Such people enjoy the recognition and opportunity to display "their" abilities. Mixed motives and pride are great hindrances to humility. The basic principle of a successful life is for us to recognize that we are nothing in ourselves, as Jesus said: Without Me, ye can do nothing (of eternal value) (John 15:5). Christ alone must be exalted.

Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:28-29).

Thought for Today:

Our opinions, traditions, or rituals must not become substitutes for God's Word (Matthew 15:2-6).

Christ Revealed:

Through the sacrifice of a lamb without defect (Leviticus 9:3). Behold the Lamb of God, which (who) taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Word Studies:

9:21 wave offering =special lifted high above the priest's head before the Lord; 10:3 sanctified =treated as holy; will be glorified =must be given honor; 10:6 rend =rear; bewail =express sorrow; 10:13 thy due =your share, yours legally; 10:19 befallen =happened to.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The Arabic, English, and Spanish International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by A Family's Love for Jesus • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Official: Sec. Jim Nicholson (Dept. of Veterans Affairs) • Country: Bulgaria (8.2 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Bulgarian and ethnic languages • Newly opened to evangelism • 85% Eastern Orthodox; 12% Muslim Sunni; 1% Shi'a Muslim; .6% Catholic; .27% Protestant; .1% Armenian Gregorian; .03% Jewish; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake all sin (Isaiah 59:12-13).

Optional Reading: Mark 7

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 118:24



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