Bible Pathways - February 16, 2006

February 16, 2006

In Today's Reading:

Cleansing of the Levites; observance of the second Passover; the Lord's guiding presence in the cloud and the fire over the Tabernacle

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 that night the Israelites were also required to roast and then eat that lamb.

Freedom from the cruel slavery of Pharaoh in Egypt meant that now they were free to follow the leadership of the One True God.

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 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 Passover was a reminder of how the Israelites had gained their freedom. Not only were they to partake of the Passover Feast, but they were also required to bring the Lord's offering: The man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the Passover, even the same soul (person) shall be cut off from among his people; because he brought not the offering of the LORD in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin (9:13).

Our observance of the Lord's Supper is an acknowledgment of our freedom from sin and that we have become children of God. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us (I Corinthians 5:7). Paul bears witness to Jesus' words (Luke 22:19) by saying: For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord's death till He come (I Corinthians 11:26).

Just as the Lord determined the journey of the Israelite tribes, He has a plan for you as you journey through life. Our supreme aim should be to accomplish His purpose for creating us. When God is our Guide, what is there to fear? He 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).

Word Studies:

8:2 over against = in front of; 8:11 execute = perform; 8:18 for = instead of; 8:26 keep the charge = assisted in the duties; 9:13 forbeareth = neglects.

Christ Revealed:

The Passover illustrates the redemption Christ accomplished at Calvary as the Lamb of God (Numbers 9:2; compare John 1:29; I Corinthians 5:7).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer · Staff: Benjamin Wallace · Country: Ireland (4 million) off the coast of western Europe · Major languages: English and Irish (Gaelic) · Religious freedom · 93% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Seek God as more important than food to satisfy your hunger (Proverbs 3:13-18).

Optional Reading: Luke 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 12:14