Bible Pathways 02/16/05
February 16
Read Numbers 8 - 9
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, which was 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 spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year . . . Let the children of Israel also keep the Passover at its appointed season. In the fourteenth day of this month, at evening, you shall keep it in its appointed season . . . and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall you keep it (Numbers 9:1-3).
The Passover was a reminder of how the Israelites 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 forbears 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 its 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 (see 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 who works 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 Corin. 5:7).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Thomas and Mary Beaghen · BP Staff: Benjamin Wallace · Country: Maldives (300,000) 400 miles southwest of Sri Lanka · Major languages: Divehi and English · Christian witnessing is banned · 99.9% Muslim; .1% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: In times of trouble, pray and seek comfort in the Word of God (Psalm 119:50).
Optional Reading: Luke 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 5:7
