Bible Pathways 02/10/2003
Read Leviticus 24 -- 25
In Today 's Reading:
The tabernacle, lampstand, bread of the Presence; blasphemy; year of jubilee; laws concerning redemption of property and the poor
Following the command for the Israelites to bring . . . pure oil of beaten olives, in order to light the lamp regularly (Leviticus 24:2), they were given detailed instructions for making the bread of the Presence. Also take fine flour and bake it into 12 cakes of bread. . . .Set them in two stacks, six to a stack, on the pure gold table before the LORD. . . Regularly each Sabbath the bread must be set out before the LORD as a perpetual covenant obligation on the part of the Israelites (24:5-9).
The term bread of the Presence literally means "bread of the face" and "Presence of God," signifying that He and His word alone sustained their very lives. When the priests ate the bread, it ratified Israel's dependence upon Him. The loaves were made of fine flour - coarse flour could not be used, for these loaves represented Christ, the perfect One, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens (Hebrews 7:26).
The aromatic frankincense that was required to be placed on the loaves is symbolic of praise to God as well as a reminder that Christ, as the bread of life, provides true satisfaction; yes, how sweet Your word is to my taste - sweeter than honey to my mouth (Psalms 119:103).
The loaves also picture Christ, who faced the fierce oven of affliction and crucifixion to come forth as the bread of life. Jesus declared: No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again (John 6:35). The 12 identical loaves were a reminder that the Lord was the satisfier and sustainer of all 12 tribes.
Light is a revealer of truth, and this lampstand shone upon the sacred showbread that typified Christ. For the bread of God is the One who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world (6:33). As we read His word, the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, provides light on the moral and spiritual values of life. This light enables Christians to fulfill one of their essential missions to the world: Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Christ Portrayed:
By the kinsman-redeemer (Leviticus 25:47-55). Christ is our Savior and Redeemer (Isaiah 60:16) who made us His kinsmen: The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children (Romans 8:16).
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Gov. Kirk Fordice (MS), Gov. Frank Keating (OK), and Rep. Walter Jones, Jr. (NC) · Country: Oman (2 million) on the southeastern coast of Arabia · Major languages: Arabic and English · Fewer restrictions on Christian activity than most of its neighbors · 97% Muslim; .5% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Pray at all times (Psalms 55:17).
Optional Reading: Mark 13
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:9
